Dear JCPS,
I am writing this letter on the heals of the news the Code of Conduct is being reviewed for lessened discipline and the false narrative that JCPS teachers are overpaid.
Oh where or where shall I begin? First of all the “comparable” districts how comparable are they really? Lets look at Cobb County, where only 63% of the teachers have “Advanced Degrees”. In JCPS 84% of teachers hold Master’s Degrees or higher. We have a 20% higher rate of free and reduced lunch students, Higher number of ECE students, more bus routes, more bus drivers and plenty of top heavy bloat! This was not exactly apples to apples.
JCPS for years has also been the primary source of survival for area businesses with some questionable practices.
Shively Sporting Goods wins bids by list their prices as XX% under “catalog price” or “MSRP” when an individual can walk into Dick’s Sporting Goods and buy an item cheaper than its on the bid list from Shively something smells rotten. If a coach can find the same item cheaper they cannot buy it anywhere else.
Yatz Produce another monopoly created by JCPS. JCPS is probably their ONLY customer., Its a JCPS dependent company and if JCPS made those purchases in accordance with prevailing law, Yatz would be out of business.
Cardinal Office Supply another company on “bid list” when anyone can find online the same products drastically cheaper. Explain how these bids/non-bids/pseudo bids save money? Please I am listening?
I would also like to see how comparable transportation spending was in these other districts. Our transportation budget is ridiculous and the assignment plans used for the last 30 years that made it so have not increased student performance ONE BIT!
In this current situation I may have to back JCTA, though in many instances they are a hindrance to the improved quality of education in JCPS, in this incident they are not.
A great way to save money and put more dollars towards teachers and student learning would be to go back to community schools. Study after study shows students perform better academically in their local communities. Community pride, team spirit all play a role. Imagine the transportation savings! In areas were the schools struggle, south and west areas of the county, give GOOD Teachers willing to take on the tougher job incentives to motivate and educate the students the current assignment seeks to place the biggest burdens on. Burdens that come from school being 20 miles from home and busing not getting them home til 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Dispersing students in a fan shaped spray across the county has improved NOTHING, teach them were they live!
Sincerely,
Frustrated Teacher
NOTE: While the author’s identity is protected here, they are not anonymous to Dear JCPS. Any board member wishing to address the concerns shared here can contact our administrators to make a connection.
