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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District announces course reductions
Comment on the course reductions
Related: Amendment would shift funding burden to state | Activity costs
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
MIDDLETOWN — More than 20 advanced and elective courses will be eliminated from the Middletown High School schedule next year, and more course reductions are in place next year for the middle school after voters rejected the district's May 8 levy.
District officials released Monday night a list of eliminated courses and reductions in offerings, which includes the majority of the high school's technology and business offering and limiting the amount of time for some courses such as health, physical education and art courses, planned for next school year. The courses were eliminated following the district's May levy failure to accommodate a reduced staff and shortened student attendance days as part of $6 million in cuts planned for next year.
Extras
If the district's Aug. 7 levy passes, the cuts can be reversed. If approved, the combination $4 million renewal plus $1.5 million additional money levy would raise taxes $67 a year for the owner of a $100,000 home. The district reduced the amount requested from the May levy because of a possible but uncertain increase in state funding.
One hundred district employees, including 54 teachers, were let go in a reduction in force following the May election.
The district has identified ten "priority" positions that will be reinstated if a proposed state budget passes, as is, through the Ohio House of Representatives and the state Senate and is signed into law by Gov. Ted Strickland by June 30.
If the budget is approved, Middletown schools would see a $500,000 increase in state funding in fiscal year 2008. That money would be used to recall up to 10 teachers — nine Middletown High School teachers and one districtwide instrumental music teacher, said Evelyn Altherr, assistant superintendent for learning.
The high school positions are two science teachers, two math teachers, a social studies teacher, an English teacher, a business teacher and a technology teacher. These positions may allow the district to reinstate some advanced courses.
The positions would be offered to the most senior staff affected by the reductions who has the needed qualifications, said Brenda Long, director of human resources. If that person turns down the position, they would lose their rights to recall with the district, and the position would be offered to the next most senior staff member.
The district hopes to be able to bring back all ten identified positions, but couldn't if the most senior staff members all accept the offer, as the cost would exceed the available $500,000, said Superintendent Steve Price. Because some teachers may have accepted other employment, officials believe they may be able to retain all 10 positions for $500,000.
Course reductions
Middletown High School
All speech except 31 seniors
Business and personal finance
Drama I and II
All technology courses except Tech I and II
Visual Communications I and II
Integrated Environmental Science, Botany and Zoology
Cross Cultural Studies
Psychology
Ceramics II (Four sections)*
Physical Education*
Health*
Sports Medicine I and II
German* and Spanish*
*The number of sections will be reduced, but the class will still be available.
Vail Middle School
Spanish and French for 7th and 8th graders
All advanced language arts
Technology Tools for grade 8
Advanced math for grade 6
Choir from 5 days a week to 3 days in grade 8
Art and health reduced to nine weeks
Physical education for grade 7 will only be nine weeks
Physical education for grade 8
Verity Middle School
Spanish I and French I and II for grades 7-8
All advanced language arts
Technology for grade 8
Art, music, physical education and health for grades 6-7 reduced to nine weeks
Physical education for grade 8
Comments
By Concerned Parent
June 28, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
An old proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Living in a Community means giving part of your self to that community. When we were students, the community invested in our future, why are we not willing to invest in the future of our children. All I keep hearing is greed, anger and envy, do those words sound familiar… Where is our generosity, love and kindness for one another. I am a home-owner and also a single parent. Money is tight for everyone! VOTE YES!
By Bob
June 28, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
John Snyder: How do you know I’m not involved or concerned about our mis-managed schools? Just run it like a business, not a never-ending supply of money job. DO THE JOB WE ELECTED YOU TO DO! MANAGE!!! If you can’t handle the criticism, GET OUT! Find some other way to feed your ego, and not use our tax dollars.
By Bob
June 28, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Hit a nerve, John? People, this is what John Snyder wrote back to me: “Why don’t you run for school and spend 12 years doing it and 8 years of that as the Board President then come back and talk to me about growing a pair.. Its people like you that want to put people down and do nothing yourself.” Sound a little self-important there, John. So you have been in charge for the pat 8 years…guess we know who to blame now. Fashion show? Are you ridiculous? More money wasted.
By Terry
June 27, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Jim-I am surprised that you are in the corporate world because you sound like a teacher who has never worked in the private sector. Glad your’re proud of your children.Congratulations!I’m glad that you found a career that has brought you satisfaction.As for the comment”get out of the city”-I was born here in 1948.It’s my hometown.I care about what has happened to it because I remember when it was a very nice family-oriented town with great schools in the 60’s.Town gone downhill.Sell-noretireyes
By Terry
June 27, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
RT-CONT-AND THE U OF DAYTON RESEARCH INST.In each company,the people they hired were expected to contribute to bolster the company’s profits.In manufacturing,it was quality product out the door,in research,it was new innovative ideas taken to production,in quality control,it was in spec product out the door.It was never a major issue what you did in extras that made or broke your career.It was how you performed toward the success of the company that mattered.Leadershipgiven on perform not extras
By Terry
June 27, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
RT If the schools still had a discipline program that was effective, the teacher wouldn’t be distracted and could use the time to teach. We know what the parents role is away from the classroom. Help the kid with homework and to act properly in school. What would the parent do to help in the classroom- observe? And what?OK RT, I’m wrong about what I have observed and been a part of for 39 years at International Paper, P&G, Mobay Chemical, General Cable, Black Clawson, Neaton Auto, Crane Plastics
By Jim
June 27, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Terry, No I’m not a teacher I’m an upper level sales manager for a very large corporation. I’ve worked hard, learned everything I could about my industry & have been very succesful. Again my children have been VERY VERY succesful, but unlike a lot of parents in this city my wife and I have been involved with our students in their academics and extra curriculars. If you don’t like what’s happening in this city get out. Oops you can’t, you voted against the schools & now you can’t sell your house.
By Middie Mom
June 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Regarding the construction of the schools….remember one thing, that money cannot be used for anything other than construction of new buildings. When that issue was put on the ballot we were all informed of that - you cannon use that money for operating the schools - only the construction. The State of Ohio held our district by the throat that if new schools weren’t built our funding would be cut. This is one item I will not blame the school board for, they are abiding by the rules on this.
By RT
June 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Terry, learn about what goes on in school. Having parents involved isn’t a way to get them to do the teachers’ job for them. If parents were involved, teachers could actually DO their jobs instead of having to deal with attitude and lack of preparation issues. As for corporate America not caring about non-curricular involvement, you’re also wrong. Those activities help people be well rounded, learn to work in a group and team environments, and communicate.
By Terry
June 27, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
RobertCont-Low test score schools need to touch base with successful schools to compare methods of instruction.If what you’re doing isn’t working,shouldn’t you change the way you do things after the 10 or so years that the testing has been in place?So the colleges started the remedial programs to make money.Maybe,OR,maybe they saw a real need to bring the high school grad up to speed to transition them to the beginning freshman curriculum.Yes,ACT/SAT’s tell the colleges where to place in classes
By Terry
June 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Robert-ReportCards-Designed by educators,graded by educators, controlled by educators-Hardly non-biased. Need testing OUTSIDE the educational community such as the state and a committee that represents the receivers of the students-employers to have input.Not passing to the next grade-Schools”hold back” less students than they use to,just to get them through the system or pass them off to an”alternative” school.Tests remain the same.Scores not improving due to inability to provide properinstucti
By Robert
June 27, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Terry…isnt the unit of measurement called a REPORT CARD? Also what ever happed to NOT PASSING TO THE NEXT GRADE? If the test are so great why are the scores not improving? Last the colleges have started to cash in on those REMEDIAL classes they offer. It appears to be a way to make extra money. The ACT and SAT test are what can determine if your ready for higher education. Remember when grades got you into college and not just your ability to pay.
By Terry
June 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Robert- If the proficiency test is a joke, what method would you propose we use, to evaluate the kids coming out of high school to determine whether they are ready for college or whether they are ready to enter the work force? The colleges are setting up remedial classes for incoming freshmen to do what the high schools are failing to do- prepare them for the freshman year of college. The companies are finding out that alot of the high school graduates can’t do math or construct a sentence.
By Terry
June 27, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Jim-One more thing while I’m venting-You asked all the parents to come into the schools and”get involved”and “maybe the test scores will go up”-The parents don’t ask the teachers to go to work to help them. I thought you were all qualified?? If so,why? Aren’t you trained on the subject matter? Don’t you have a discipline program in place? If not, why not? Lastly,I get my info from the published proficiency results from the state, not the barbershop/Speedway. No rumors/just facts, Jim
By Robert
June 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Something just occured to me..by cutting all the classes you say may be cut, and only going to school until 1:30 in the afternoon…is this meeting the State requirements. Terry that test is a joke. Once again its all about money. Pass the test..Get the State Funds…Teachers keep their jobs….what a cycle to be caught in. I came along well before the test was introduced and I have done very well in my life. I place the Prof-Test right next to the E-CHECK. We can do without either.
By Robert
June 27, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Has anyone thought that the levy may not pass because folks have just gotten their jobs back and are playing catch up. Money is tight for everyone. Maybe A.K. should support our schools until we get back on our feet. Also football will be cut…right? As the comercial says,”most students go pro in something other then sports” I suggest the adults get their act together before we lose our young folks…..HOME SCHOOLING is sounding better and better.
By Terry
June 27, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Jim-cont- Unlike you, I didn’t have a teachers union protecting my job so I’ve been downsized 3 times since 1994.That’s the real world. No lollipops and sugar canes in corporate, just work and performance and downsizing and profits with a 2% raise if you’re lucky. Your comment about the schools improving- When you are last in every category compared to the other schools in the area, by as much as 85% to 58%, that’s significant. And it’s been that way since the inception of the prof tests.
By Robert
June 27, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with everyone else. We are letting our childrend down in a big way. Why is it everytime we as adults fail to provide what our childrend need, we tend to try and use them as pawns. It always seems to be about money. The money increases but the test scores dont…duh!! Next…why are they building so many new schools if there is no money, can one of the people in charge answer that?..go ahead..I’ll wait! I noticed they have suspended construction on Wildwood, Is there a Problem?
By Terry
June 27, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Jim- So, you’re a teacher. That explains why you don’t have a clue as to what is going on in the job market and in corporate America nowadays. Corporations want people to come in and start producing results for profit immediately. They don’t give a rats —- about what kind of clubs or school activities you were in in high school or college. That’s old news. I didn’t have “students”, Jim, I work in corporate America. I have co-workers/managers.Jim- nice shot about the jobs every 5 years. I, unlik
By Jim
June 27, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
People, get off your chair warmer and go the schools. Get involved with your children or neices and nephews, and really truly get the facts. Stop getting your so called facts from the person in the speedway or barbershop. Its amazing what you’ll learn if you just get involved with your child’s education and get to know the staff at the school’s. Wow, maybe our test scores will go up all over town if the parents did something besides spread rumors. Grandparents, the same goes for you! VOTE YES
By Jim
June 27, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Genetelman, All subjects are extremley important to maintain for a well rounded education of a student. Regarding test scores this district is improving (look at scores). Why should all students not be allowed to experience all academics and extra’s in school. FYI my students are both excelling and in all area’s. Terry, it sounds like you have had students that did not, did you do everything you could to let them excel or is it like your jobs and cannot keep one more than 5 years average. YES
By RT
June 27, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Howard, foreign language is very important to students who are at all interested in getting into decent colleges. We’re no longer in the one-room-schoolhouse days. Students need more background — colleges and employers expect that.
As for extra curriculars being considered “frills” — again, the competitive environment once they graduate looks for people who are well-rounded and show that they are good students with other interests and activities.
By howard
June 27, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
What ever happened to reading, writing, math, science, history, geography. We spaek English in this country why do they have to learn French or spanish unless they plan on living there. We have to many electives that are unneccasary in high school. cut back on the useless programs. I’m voting NO
By Mark
June 27, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Nope, the Republican way is more subtile. Lower taxes on the wealthy, raise taxes for the lower income people. Move good paying jobs offshore and spend until the well is dry. Then leave the mess for someone else to try and clean up.
By Rick
June 27, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Ken: You seem to be a bright, well-versed individual. What does the comment “tax and spend attitude of the ‘republican school board’ mean? Your personal politics doesn’t need to be shared in this forum. By the way, “tax and spend is not a “republican” trait.
By Ken
June 27, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
These figures sound “rough” and not exact. $336,000 for sports “wages ?” Who are working with these kids,coaches & trainers from the CIncinnati Bengals ?!! A child goes to school to learn,not excell in sports !! This tax and spend attitude of the “republican school board” has to stop & now !!! These figures are beyond the absurd !! “NO” on the next levy !!!!
By Terry
June 27, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Jim-Extra curriculars are just that- extras from the core education. If you are performing academically, like this district is performing(see proficiencies scores) you shouldn’t be rewarded by the taxpayer for your poor performance.Are you given a raise on your job if you perform poorly? Then why do you want to reward a system that doesn’t deliver success, only mediocrity? Funding extras has become more important than improving prof. scores. Where are the priorities in this school system?Vote NO
By Terry
June 27, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Jim-Yes,I have worked in a business environment.For 39 years and 8 different companies.I’m aware that there is money spent to run a business.I find your comment about this being a business to be interesting.When I compared this school system to a business,when I referred to high operating costs,low performance-poor quality of end product(the graduate)to the customer(the employer),Price said it shouldn’t be compared to a business and that he didn’t see it that way.One of you is wrong.
By Jim
June 27, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Taxman, I agree how many more times can you beat this up. Terry, You must never have worked in business. To run a business the size of this district involves a lot. Phone; long distance calling other schools? Purchased services; ref’s? Building use; heating, cooling, electric, custodians, clearing lots? Wages for sports management; Athletic dir., assistant, secretaries, office cost? This is a seperate department for the district. However, all activities are important for our students. Vote YES!
By Taxman
June 27, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
What are these two articles the weekly dose of “Oh Woe is the school system”. Come on Journal how many times can you recycle a damn story?
By Terry
June 27, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Benefits for coaches are provided whether we have extras or not.Why are benefits included in this?What’s the”phone cost of $1571?For what?What’s”other”for $752?”Purchased services”for $5928- What’s that?Building usage costs seem awfully high!How is that figured? Wages for Sports “Oriented/Management” seems to be about half of the cost.Why are the wages for the sports program so high? How is that calculated?Wouldn’t the wages be paid whether there was extras or not to these people?Explain.
By Mark
June 27, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
I’d like to see a further breakdown in the “wages” category. Just throwing a large number rounde to a “1000” is a neat trick. Is this all over-time pay? Aren’t teachers “salary” employees? It seems most of cost of “kids activities” is still wages and benefits. $96K for tranporation? Where are you buying your gas? The buses are already owned by the School District, are you adding in the cost of a bus too?
By sandy
June 27, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
This is just another example of how they are trying to scare people into voting for the school levy.
I’m still voting “NO”!!
By Terry
June 27, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Why eliminate the advanced tech,math and Int.Environmental Sciences?I can understand eliminating Drama,Cross Cultural Studies,Health,Ceramics,(how will these help at the next level?)The science introductions are more appropriate for the job market than these are.Whatis”Visual Comm.”and how does this course help the kid at the next level-ie college or a job?Sports Medicine would be needed to a student who would choose that career field,but the rest?Speech-31seniors?Art,Choir,PE?Not as Important.