Pure Madnesson
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Friday, February 10, 2006
MMSD Threatens to Cut 6th through 8th Grade Math Program
The Madison Metropolitan School District Board will meet Monday to consider 3 referendum questions that may be decided by voters in November's election. Two questions relate to building or adding onto schools on Madison's west side to accomodate significant population growth in the area. A third question asks permission to increase the district's operating budget.
According to School Board President Carol Carstensen, the board will need to make significant cuts if the third referendum question does not pass. These cuts include funding for most extra-curricular activities and some athletics. Due to significant public outcry, the district will not consider cutting varsity boys' football, basketball, or wrestling programs. Instead, Carstensen explains, the district will have to either eliminate math classes for 6th through 8th graders or begin charging families to have their children take math.
Board member Ruth Robarts, who opposes all three of the referendum questions, claims the board must "stop the madness" of increased spending whatever it takes. Robarts states, "We are spending too much on frills like math and science. Students in middle school aren't paying attention in class anyway, so a little less math isn't going to hurt them. And if the parents really want their children in math classes, they can cover the additional costs." Robarts, along with board member Lawrie Kobza, would like to make additional spending cuts including the elimination of all school administration, doubling all class sizes in all grades, and no longer giving teachers health insurance. Asked how the district would function without any administration, Kobza explains, "The board could run the district. Think of all of the expensive positions including principals, superintendents, and others that we could cut. The savings would be well worth the extra time the board would spend managing school business."
On Monday night, the board will decide whether to move ahead with all 3 referendum questions. The first two seem to have universal support on the board, but the third will likely prove more contentious. Police spokesman Mike Hanson says that officers will be available nearby in case the board meeting turns ugly.
According to School Board President Carol Carstensen, the board will need to make significant cuts if the third referendum question does not pass. These cuts include funding for most extra-curricular activities and some athletics. Due to significant public outcry, the district will not consider cutting varsity boys' football, basketball, or wrestling programs. Instead, Carstensen explains, the district will have to either eliminate math classes for 6th through 8th graders or begin charging families to have their children take math.
Board member Ruth Robarts, who opposes all three of the referendum questions, claims the board must "stop the madness" of increased spending whatever it takes. Robarts states, "We are spending too much on frills like math and science. Students in middle school aren't paying attention in class anyway, so a little less math isn't going to hurt them. And if the parents really want their children in math classes, they can cover the additional costs." Robarts, along with board member Lawrie Kobza, would like to make additional spending cuts including the elimination of all school administration, doubling all class sizes in all grades, and no longer giving teachers health insurance. Asked how the district would function without any administration, Kobza explains, "The board could run the district. Think of all of the expensive positions including principals, superintendents, and others that we could cut. The savings would be well worth the extra time the board would spend managing school business."
On Monday night, the board will decide whether to move ahead with all 3 referendum questions. The first two seem to have universal support on the board, but the third will likely prove more contentious. Police spokesman Mike Hanson says that officers will be available nearby in case the board meeting turns ugly.
posted by Pure Madness<> # 11:55 PM 
