April 17, 2007
A couple of days ago, subsequent to a number of conversations and email exchanges about Bridgewater and B-R Schools, I published (with the writer's consent) an excerpt of some of his comments. He has asked me to update his original comments with a more specific and detailed description (his view) of the current situation. I have therefore replaced his orginal comments of April 12th with the following:
" I wish to clarify my e-mail comments appearing on Joe Gillis website. I have had great experiences with the Teachers of BR District; the attention they have shown my children and others. My comments regarding the school committee's actions and the town financial woes should be clarified as follows:
1) Insurance costs have gotten out of control. The school committee should eliminate indemnity plans, and any other plans which are over priced and subject to double digit increases. A long term solution offering affordable health care costs tied to reasonable rates of increase ( Fixed Amounts w/ increases tied to growth rates) should be encouraged. Offering incentives to opt out of the plan and choose a spouse's plan are also encouraged.
If insurance costs based on a systemic solution are not in place, each year overrides will be necessary just to keep pace with this high cost. There are areas in the current insurance obligation which could lead to significant savings.
2) Professional development costs are well above regional averages and should be reevaluated.
3) A subcommittee to evaluate the high amount of classification of students as Special Education should be created. This committee should also investigate the outrageous costs of transporting these students. While an unfunded state mandate, whining for the state to cover the cost is not a solution. Effective action is required.
4) Continuing with Special Education; Replacing some Special Education teachers with Special Education Aides would reduce costs significantly. These teachers do not plan and teach classes but instead assist teachers in classes.
5) Energy and fuel costs should be reevaluated for savings. It may detract from our scenic vista, but wind power for creating energy should at least be looked at. Perhaps, involving the students into such discussion will help make teaching about the "green" movement more than just an exercise.
6) Programs with Bridgewater State College for tutoring, teaching aides and extra help as well as financial help to our system should be exploited to the fullest. A teaching college in our town should be proud to help teach in the community.
7) Endowments for the school programs and it's athletic programs should be created. Instead of yearly ventures to raise money, corporations and individuals may be encouraged to put funds into endowments which will run programs forever, if properly invested. All colleges and many high schools already do this. Students could be involved in investing and spending the money. Again turning a financial matter to a learning experience.
8) Funding for Books, and supplies must be increased. I know some teachers who bring books and supplies to classes from their own funds. The funding level for this is too low.
In short, I stand by my statement that I will support an override if a substantial amount of fixed costs are reduced, a long term plan which does not require additional overrides, and instead additional teachers and materials for the students are the focus of the school committee. One step towards this, is the settlement of a new teacher's contract which addresses not just the % of insurance cost but more importantly, the plans that are offered.
The Town of Bridgewater should also look into additional revenues sources. An attitude that there are no additional revenue sources, no cost cuts in "public safety", and no overrides should be voted are just not possible. At some point, our public officials must tell us "How we Can" and not, "The Reasons that We Can't".
Bud Morris
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