As the school year begins, and the 2010/2011 budget was adopted by the Kent School Board, it is important, again, to consider Kent School District priorities.
The district made many cuts. Middle-school students have fewer counselors. Many elementary students have no counselors and/or no librarians. Support for instructional technology was cut. Fifth graders no longer have the opportunity to learn an instrument. Music performances were cut across the grade levels. Many students can no longer participate in their favorite sports at school, and those that do must pay for that experience.
At the same time last year almost $47,000 was spent for administrators to travel outside the state. Over $13,000 was spent on one conference alone, the expected savings from cutting music festivals for our students. Additionally, the district has hired many consultants and facilitators from out-of-state. These high cost contracts come at the expense of program reductions. For example, while hiring a new finance manager with a salary greater than most superintendents in the state, the district is also paying a finance consultant.
While some schools are crowded and many students learn in portables, the superintendent’s office is being remodeled to provide larger office space for district administrators. While many students are still in large classes or split classes, KSD administrators continue to take home a higher salary than administrators in most other districts across the state. Staffing was reduced in every school, leaving our students with fewer educators to provide the learning and services they need.
The facts are that Kent spends a significantly smaller percentage on teaching and instruction than all but two neighboring districts, although the district revenue per student is near the midpoint of those same districts.
Our students need to be the number one priority in the Kent School District.
Connie Compton is the parent of two Kent School District graduates. She teaches special education and is Vice-President of the Kent Education Association.
Cindy Prescott is the parent of KSD graduates. She teaches 4th grade and is Secretary/Treasurer of the Kent Education Association.
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