As a retired Mansfield City school teacher, administrator and school board member, I am concerned and saddened by the Board’s decisions in some of their cuts to staff, programs, and departments.
I feel that discussions concerning the cuts should have been open to the public. It was stated that all stakeholders would be a part of the decisions, that I feel didn’t happen.
In my opinion the decisions were made by two people without sitting down with administrators, staff, and the public.
When you are talking about cutting positions all need to be included. Why did teachers, support staff and administrators have to read in the Richland Source what cuts were being
made?
This in my opinion is not only unprofessional but shows a lack of respect for those who are affected by the cuts.
The needs of the district should have been a starting point. Each building has a focus and this in my opinion is where the discussions should have begun.
What is the main purpose of each building and how can that focus be accomplished yet cutting costs.
We as a district are required by the State to prepare our students for the real world. Students can either go on to higher learning, enter the workforce or enlist in the armed forces.
Skills are needed for each path but some of the cuts, this isn’t going to happen. Two programs that are vital to our CTE program are being cut. These two programs CBI, which guides those students who don’t quite fir the traditional way of learning, to seek classes that interest them and will lead to a career.
The other JTC, which prepares our special education students, especially those with multiple handicaps, to learn life skills and marketable job skills.
This is a disservice to our students. It was stated that the cuts wouldn’t affect student learning.
One of the reasons the new high school was built was so that our CTE programs could be in one building and be expanded. This way our students would stay in the district and not go to another district.
Our CTE program has flourished under the present director. It has kept many of our students in school boosting our graduation rate. The CTE program also brings money into our district, if programs are cut this money will no longer come to the district.
The state says we must have 12 programs across 8 approved career fields. This includes grades 7-12, yet introduction classes tot eh CTE programs are being cut, why?
We have a policy po2413 that states the district will have a career advising plan. Without these introduction classes how is this plan possible?
Doing away with Adult Education/Aspire also doesn’t make sense as this program is funded by a grant. The district will lose this grant money. Doing away with this program doesn’t save the district any money.
It is vital to our community in the respect that it helps those who didn’t graduate. They are given a second chance to better their lives. So why cut it?
I also question doing away with the Chief Academic Officer and outsourcing the HR department. Both these departments have made our district better.
I know cuts must be made as a district can’t run when money is short. There are other ways such as some supplementals that could be cut.
I know that teachers, support staff and administrators aren’t paid what they are worth. One goes into education to make a difference in a child’s life. I feel our students are the ones who will suffer the most.
I would ask the community to ask questions as to why certain programs and departments are being cut or outsourced.
It takes all of us to make sure our students, who are the future, receive the best education we can provide. Unless you the community ask these questions, this isn’t going to happen.
Sheryl Weber
Mansfield, Ohio