As I reflect back on 2015, I see a variety of mixed messages from around the globe and a deepening divide among the world’s nations. The tragedies of mass shootings and terrorist activities that have occurred throughout the world have led to some unique responses, ranging from the Pope reminding us of the need for piety and service to the world—including the poorest of the poor—to political responses that run the gamut from enacting very stringent restrictions on immigration (along with some recommendations from U.S. presidential candidates that are potentially unconstitutional) to increasing support for the greatest refugee crisis since World War II. Yet, at the same time, we saw a wide variety of nations meet in Paris and agree to a very difficult and long-term agreement to address climate change, a study in consensus building and concern for the world as a whole rather than just from parochial interests.
Closer to home one sees a significant divide between those advocating for a better education through public schools and those who support alternatives to public education; between those who support local control and those who see the state or federal government as having the answers to our problems; between those who think funding the common good is worthwhile and those who believe that the free market should be the final arbiter for all things; and between those who advocate for balanced growth and those who wish casino online to see our towns remain unchanged. The fact that we can now ‘filter’ our news intake to receive only that information that meets our own perceptions makes open discussion and dialogue difficult. Add to that the new ‘norm’ being that ‘personal’ interactions occur via social media, it’s little wonder that we can’t reach consensus, take the time to be reflective and inclusive in the decision making process, or that we can feel so alone despite being in a crowd. This lack of inclusiveness and being ‘right’, rather than being willing to compromise for the good of all, seems evident from the local level right up to the national level and doesn’t seem to have done much to increase effective government at any level.
As I mentioned in my last column, I believe our staff continues to do a great job of educating children in many ways and they go well beyond their job requirements to do so. As we move into the FY’17 budget cycle with the School Committee’s vote to reduce total expenditures, I think it’s important to note how many operational activities have already taken place over the last ten plus years that were driven, not by educational need, but by fiscal constraints. We’re now at the point where budgets are significantly less than they were in years past and the percentage of reductions in administrative staffing far exceeds the percentage our student population has declined. This makes it more and more difficult to accomplish daily tasks while at the same time ensuring that all state and federal reporting requirements are completed. It’s also interesting to note that, despite these reductions in spending (which are also greater than the reductions in state aid), local assessments continue to grow because of declining funding from the state coupled with increasing numbers of unfunded or underfunded mandates. Where this all ends up is anyone’s guess, especially with the latest report of the state underfunding Chapter 70 (educational funding) to the schools, changes in federal legislation, and the potential for changes in both Congress and the executive office at the national level. It will be ever more important for our local constituents to follow the budget development process and participate in guiding town officials decisions regarding supporting both the schools and other local services.
As we continue to roll out the ‘2025’ future planning process, it’s more important than ever to have students, parents, staff and community members share their ideas around Gateway’s future. Please save the evening of Tuesday, February 2 to take part in our district-wide visioning meeting! More information will be coming after the holidays.
