BERLIN – Educators say they’re disappointed and discouraged following this week’s funding decision by county officials.
Following the Worcester County Commissioners’ 5-2 vote on Tuesday to provide Worcester County Public Schools with maintenance of effort (MOE) level funding, the minimum required by the state, educators were quick to express their frustration. According to school system officials, the budget decision means teachers won’t receive the 4% raise negotiated earlier this year.
“We feel disrespected by the commissioners’ decision to underfund our schools,” said Everett Evansky, a science teacher at Stephen Decatur High School. “Our district is the largest employer in the county and this vote hurts all of our families.”
After weeks of requesting detailed financial information that wasn’t provided, the commissioners in May voted to provide the school system with MOE funding of $100,765,319, a decrease of $218,286 over the current year adopted budget. While the figure is less than what the school system requested, commissioners pointed out the county was covering a significant amount of school system retiree costs and construction debt. Debt service amounts to $10.8 million while retiree costs exceed $8 million. In all the school system’s funding accounts for 51% of Worcester County’s estimated revenue.
The school system submitted financial information to the commissioners last week in response to a Public Information Act request but the previous funding decision was upheld at this week’s meeting, when the board voted 5-2, with Commissioners Joe Mitrecic and Diana Purnell opposed, to approve MOE level funding.
Teachers should blame their administration NOT the commissioners. Too much money is wasted on special “benefits” for the administration. Too many “meals” paid on the tax payer’s dime. And the superintendent does not need to be driving around in a brand new Tahoe. Good grief. He’s not too good to drive a car.
Tax payers should not pay for outside graduations that cost $50,000 or more. Covid is over. Go back inside!
I believe it is the job of the County Commission to run the County, not the school board. Or am I missing something?
You’re missing something. They aren’t running the School Board. They are just telling the School Board to manage their money better.
The county commissioners asked for some actual information from the BOE (actually the Superintendent and administrators) and they got no meaningful response or cooperation. They then proceeded to meet their legal responsibility by providing the MOE required funding. So BOE will get steak instead of filet mignon. They will still be well fed.
Well check this out! Wicomico County’s Liberal Lord and Savior Executive put an additional $1.1 million above the MOE. She told me that she wanted the County Council to to cut that out of her budget so she could use that against them and make the the council look like the bad guys!
So many thoughts – the teachers and administrators comments- so tone deaf. Whining aout an effectuve cut to paychecks because insurance premioums are going up- that is the pain the rest of us in the real world are feeling. The GALL to expect the Comissioners to dole out my tax money because the BOE provided MOST of the requested financials- try providing a bank with MOST of your financials and see if you will get the funds you requested- unbelievable! If you really care about your job and the students, re-group and next year provide all of the financials and logical justifications for budget request line by line. If you can provde your case, the Comissioners will respond in kind. Also, the students will not suffer at all , the quality of Worcester schools is an empty fable. I know as I had three children “educated” there- “A” grades on high school papers that would have earned a “C” when I was in 7th grade. Had to point out errors myself so they could succeed in college – SMH.