I think that Dr. Seese is delusional. I cannot believe some of his comments in this article. "There is a silent majority of parents that favor the idea" Really??? Seriously? That's not what the Saginaw News poll says. Check it out and vote. Right now it's 56% oppose and 46% favor.
“The reaction has been positive for the most part,” he said. Really? Not at the meetings I went to. 98% of the people at those meetings were very upsest. Speaking of the meetings, what in the world were those for? Nothing but a waste of time. The board already had their mind made up. Why did they put out the feeling that what we had to say about our children's education had any effect on their decision?
“Everybody knows the school is in crunch time.” said Jerry Seese, in his 11th year as superintendent. “We’ll notify the parents by whatever method we determine.” Well, well, isn't that nice of him. Egotistical......
Seese said he has received e-mails and calls from parents who thanked the board “for being good stewards of our money.” I am laughing real hard right now!!
B'wana - 14 years ago
I hope the Board will 'rue' the day they started down this destructive path. Recall the Board and fire the superintendent.
Keith Cameron - 14 years ago
This is a very bad decision by the board. I have very seroius doubts that they will in fact save a dime. They should have cut th IB program and closed mackinaw academy. Throwing every household in the township into turmoil is not a solution.
Concerned Parent - 14 years ago
If this plan was going to actually save enough money, I would be for it. However, I am not convinced. I also wonder why the board had so many meetings asking for the parents to attend and share their concerns, when, in fact, they already had their mind made up. Look at the poll, people do not want this. There is still time to change your mind and find a new resolution to this problem.
Stephan Gaus - 14 years ago
I support the Board's decision.
To be sure, I wish it did not have to be so. But as a former member of the STCS Board, I know that on of the principal tasks of the Board is to provide fiscal stability for the schools. The schools MUST balance the budget. They MUST operate with a "fund balance" for emergencies. With state funding lagging so significantly significant changes must occur. Most people do not know that the vast majority - 80-85% most years - of school funding is for "personnel" (salaries, benefits and contracted services.) When there is no money, the only place to make significant reductions is the same place where all the money goes - personnel.
The Decision is regrettable, but not because the Board is uncaring or unthinking. It is regrettable because there is insufficient money to run the schools the way they have been in the past. I think of the decision as a necessary response the the reality this exists.
I think that Dr. Seese is delusional. I cannot believe some of his comments in this article. "There is a silent majority of parents that favor the idea" Really??? Seriously? That's not what the Saginaw News poll says. Check it out and vote. Right now it's 56% oppose and 46% favor.
“The reaction has been positive for the most part,” he said. Really? Not at the meetings I went to. 98% of the people at those meetings were very upsest. Speaking of the meetings, what in the world were those for? Nothing but a waste of time. The board already had their mind made up. Why did they put out the feeling that what we had to say about our children's education had any effect on their decision?
“Everybody knows the school is in crunch time.” said Jerry Seese, in his 11th year as superintendent. “We’ll notify the parents by whatever method we determine.” Well, well, isn't that nice of him. Egotistical......
Seese said he has received e-mails and calls from parents who thanked the board “for being good stewards of our money.” I am laughing real hard right now!!
I hope the Board will 'rue' the day they started down this destructive path. Recall the Board and fire the superintendent.
This is a very bad decision by the board. I have very seroius doubts that they will in fact save a dime. They should have cut th IB program and closed mackinaw academy. Throwing every household in the township into turmoil is not a solution.
If this plan was going to actually save enough money, I would be for it. However, I am not convinced. I also wonder why the board had so many meetings asking for the parents to attend and share their concerns, when, in fact, they already had their mind made up. Look at the poll, people do not want this. There is still time to change your mind and find a new resolution to this problem.
I support the Board's decision.
To be sure, I wish it did not have to be so. But as a former member of the STCS Board, I know that on of the principal tasks of the Board is to provide fiscal stability for the schools. The schools MUST balance the budget. They MUST operate with a "fund balance" for emergencies. With state funding lagging so significantly significant changes must occur. Most people do not know that the vast majority - 80-85% most years - of school funding is for "personnel" (salaries, benefits and contracted services.) When there is no money, the only place to make significant reductions is the same place where all the money goes - personnel.
The Decision is regrettable, but not because the Board is uncaring or unthinking. It is regrettable because there is insufficient money to run the schools the way they have been in the past. I think of the decision as a necessary response the the reality this exists.