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SDL wrote on Jan 21, 2009 11:49 PM:
My children have enough homework everynight to make up for any 5th day of school.It is a ridiculous amount of homework.This is not work they are not getting done at school.This is work sent home for just that reason.To do at home! I say 4 days is great.My sister lives in a district that does so and her family loves the fact.I can see where my kids and I would too.As far as parents not having childcare.What did you do before your children were of school age ? You paid daycare !!( or stayed home with them!) You made the choice to have kids.I am sure you did not have them based on the fact you could send them to school when they turned 6 and not have to pay daycare ever again!As far as kids that would use that 5th day to get in trouble while unattended at home.They are usually kids that are being jerks at school anyways and the poor teachers have to deal with it !
Tax Payer wrote on Jan 21, 2009 9:29 PM:
How about cutting some of those benefits the teachers/administrators get. In exchange those benefits will go back to the kids education for books and more. After all I hear the teachers are getting extravagant health benefits & our tax money is supplying health care for their whole family for free. Not many working Oregonians even get that.
Resident wrote on Jan 21, 2009 5:56 PM:
To Just a Teacher--the teacher's aide that I asked said she was told in a meeting that her 6-hour days would not be lengthened. This is specifically how the district will save money. See you at tomorrow's meeting.
CB Taxpayer wrote on Jan 21, 2009 4:20 PM:
I don't agree that a 4-day week is thinking outside of the box at all. The CB school administration does what it pleases and is downright stingy when it comes to providing for their students. It will be interesting to hear from parents who are thrilled with the CB school system...are they out there? This is only going to get worse. Go to a 4-day week- what will they cut next? They will come up with something.
just a teacher wrote on Jan 21, 2009 11:30 AM:
You all realize the 4 days will be longer, right? There are laws making sure the contact time stays the same. This is innovative and thinking outside the box. What's the problem? The only losers in this are the parents not having day care. The classified staff still get their hours, excluding the kitchen and probably custodial.
Tax Payer wrote on Jan 21, 2009 9:22 AM:
If we didn't spend the money for Iraq to protect ourselves we might not even be here to speak of it. That has nothing to do with school spending anyway.
Unbelievable wrote on Jan 21, 2009 9:05 AM:
our schools are in such dire straights as is and now want to cut days? do they realize what that will do to the parents budgets.. more money for child care on a parents already limited income. more time for kids to get into mischief unsupervised. cut the supervisors pay and the higher ups and that will help some. but to cut days, and athletics and performing arts programs is just riduculous. home schooling one day a week would be fine IF the parent was there and had the patience to do this...this willb e more of a hassle than a help.
Marshfield Alum wrote on Jan 20, 2009 11:08 PM:
In addition, funding for education is only one piece of the puzzle. To ensure the health and well-being of future generations, public policy must provide access to health care, job opportunities and living wages for parents in addition to education funding. And this is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sectors of government among which funds must be painstakingly divided. There is little doubt that corruption occurs in government, but placing blame on the backs of politicians is unjust and does little to help us help ourselves. Thousands of people work long hours and even longer nights behind the scenes advocating on your behalf. As an intern in the Minnesota legislature, a state currently facing a $4.8 billion deficit, I have witnessed this commitment first-hand. Oregon, and our community, are not alone in their struggles. Clearly, spending $800 billion on the War in Iraq has not helped the government adequately fund programs at home. Let us hope that today’s inauguration of President Obama, and with the help of a democratic legislature and the support of his countrymen, our country is on its way to a better education system, a stronger economy, and renewed hope for all.
Marshfield Alum wrote on Jan 20, 2009 11:07 PM:
As a public school student in the not too distant past, I write from a position of personal investment as well as personal experience. Although I graduated from Marshfield in 2006, I spent the majority of my education in a small school district in rural Oregon that has faced dire budget constraints for years. In this district, students attended school four and a half days per week for several years before being cut to a four day school week as early as 2004. It is by no means in the best interest of the students – the ultimate and rightful benefactors of our schools – to further reduce their time in the classroom. Do administrators earn more than is necessary and able to be provided by the community at this time? Probably. Is school district consolidation a viable option that should be seriously considered? Probably. Is it possible to trim the athletic budget without eliminating such programs that are, in fact, important for many students? Probably. Solving this budget dilemma will take compromise on the parts of many.
Reality Check wrote on Jan 20, 2009 9:39 PM:
After school activites: check your studies and you will find it is MUSIC much more than sports to account for the benefits you spoke of;CBNB Mom: Its YOUR job to keep your kids on the straight and narrow, not sports programs (please read my previous post again to know the difference)RE Reality Check:Same message; Another idea: You are a fool.; Mark: Right on! you are someone thinking about actually being proactive without kowtowing to industry or oligarchical local figures. Bravo!Just a teacher: Hang in there, I'm behind you, No one goes into education for the money. I hope everyone is reading that. No one!Don't envy teachers benefits-Get your own See American Free Choice Act.
Kaye wrote on Jan 20, 2009 5:42 PM:
just to think outside the box: If we do not provide proper education, this town is going down the drain. So, then we won't need urban renewal. They seem to have plenty of money to spend on idiotic projects. It's OUR money, folks. What does it take to re=assign urban renewal funds to schools instead of increasing and increasing taxes???
Tax Payer wrote on Jan 20, 2009 1:34 PM:
I agree, administrators pay is too high. The teachers get above average benefits too. I heard the school districts provide health insurance free of charge for their WHOLE family. How many working people in Oregon get that? And how many don't get insurance at all? Is this about providing good education to our kids or providing jobs to teachers and administrators?
kathy m wrote on Jan 20, 2009 12:14 PM:
of all the things to cut, the schools. we are raising idiots the way it is. now let's cut the learning some more. Why don't we cut some of the spending from the officials? Aren't there enough perks the politicians get? Our children are our future. They need the chance to learn. They aren't getting much at home. Their only chance is to sit in a classroom.
just a teacher wrote on Jan 20, 2009 11:29 AM:
Just so you can put this in the stew of debate, teachers can move to districts that will pay more. It's a free market, so understand 20% cuts will create a teaching force you may not like.
Just so know, I am a teacher, and pay $400 a month to pay off the bachelors and masters degree needed to teach. I also buy materials out of my own pocket, around $100 a month. I'm sorry if you think I make too much.
Just so know, I am a teacher, and pay $400 a month to pay off the bachelors and masters degree needed to teach. I also buy materials out of my own pocket, around $100 a month. I'm sorry if you think I make too much.
Reply to J wrote on Jan 20, 2009 9:08 AM:
J,
You think the administrators are being paid 4-5 times more than teachers?? You are way off! I am not arguing that the administrators may be paid a little too much but if you really checked the averages than you would find that they are probably getting paid about 2 times a teacher at the most. I believe that a starting teacher makes about $28,000 and that is not average. The administrators mentioned in this article are not making $112,000.
You think the administrators are being paid 4-5 times more than teachers?? You are way off! I am not arguing that the administrators may be paid a little too much but if you really checked the averages than you would find that they are probably getting paid about 2 times a teacher at the most. I believe that a starting teacher makes about $28,000 and that is not average. The administrators mentioned in this article are not making $112,000.
J wrote on Jan 20, 2009 12:50 AM:
After reading all these posts, I started wondering where all the cuts would end. After we cut back to a 4 day week, do we start cutting the hours in those 4 days? When we fall short on the budget for 4 short days, do we look at cutting back to 3 days? The first thing that needs to be looked at really hard is the wages of administrators. They do not need a huge salary when their district is crumbling. In my opinion, they should be making no more than twice what the average teacher is making. Yes, they have a 'higher' position in the district, but that does not mean they need to be paid 4-5 times more. Schools need to get back to being a learning environment, not just a place for parents to dump their kids so they can go to work.
TIRED OF THE BULL wrote on Jan 19, 2009 2:00 PM:
KIDS AREN'T IN SCHOOL ENOUGH AS IT IS. TOO MANY IN SERVICE DAYS. WHEN I WENT TO SCHOOL TEACHERS DID THEIR STUFF AFTER SCHOOL OR ON A SATURDAY. IT'S NOT GONNA KILL THEM. PLUS SOME GET PAID WAY TOO MUCH FOR THE WAY THEY PERFORM IN THE CLASSROOM. AND NOW YOU WANT TO CUT EVEN MORE PROGRAMS. WHY DON'T WE ALL JUST TEACH OUR KIDS AT HOME AND LET THE TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
To Mark wrote on Jan 19, 2009 11:51 AM:
I agree about Roblan, think he's wonderful and I will be there to talk to him. However he can only do so much, until we in the county realize we have TO PAY A LITTLE MORE to keep our schools running. I am so sick of everyone complaining and never actually voting to fix anything.. Oh but my taxes... waaaaa, get over it. I am willing to pay whatever it takes for the future of our children!!!
Resident wrote on Jan 19, 2009 9:14 AM:
Would you want to consolidate if you lived in North Bend, where the school district has enough of a surplus saved to pay for the $380,000 cut this year?
Consolidation wrote on Jan 18, 2009 9:11 PM:
Just so ya know. . . independent studies have indicated that a merged district of Coos Bay and North Bend would save a total of 3.2 million dollars the first year. Call the district offices and ask for the figures.
Waste wrote on Jan 18, 2009 6:17 PM:
As long as everyone is cozy on their own little islands there is going to be waste. No one wants to consolidate anything, the school districts, the cities, the fire departments, the 911 centers, so lets just let the ship continue to sink. Maybe some day someone will wake up.
Mark 3 of 3 wrote on Jan 18, 2009 11:23 AM:
I encourage everyone to attend Arnie Roblan’s Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, January 31 at Sozo’s Tea & Coffee House on Union Ave. in North Bend. Rep. Roblan will be there from 10 am to 12 pm. Let’s show up and tell Arnie we want stable and ample funding for public education. Then let’s ask him what we can do to help make it possible.
We need to start fighting together instead of fighting each other. Let’s not waste this opportunity to improve our community.
Mark McKelvey
We need to start fighting together instead of fighting each other. Let’s not waste this opportunity to improve our community.
Mark McKelvey
Mark 2 of 3 wrote on Jan 18, 2009 11:21 AM:
There are no good solutions. We have to decide which choice is the least terrible. Probably the least damaging way forward is to cut calendar days as the district was forced to do several years ago.
Shame on us if we think that’s a “solution.”
We need stable and ample funding for education.
If we want to band together in a common belief that education is the key to our community’s identity and its future, and work to solve the problem of how to fully fund our schools, then we can accomplish great things.
If we’d rather form circular firing squads, well, I guess we could do that too.
Other communities in Oregon have proactively raised revenues to fund their schools. Today they not only reap the benefits of better schools, they also are attracting new businesses and employers who value good schools.
Shame on us if we think that’s a “solution.”
We need stable and ample funding for education.
If we want to band together in a common belief that education is the key to our community’s identity and its future, and work to solve the problem of how to fully fund our schools, then we can accomplish great things.
If we’d rather form circular firing squads, well, I guess we could do that too.
Other communities in Oregon have proactively raised revenues to fund their schools. Today they not only reap the benefits of better schools, they also are attracting new businesses and employers who value good schools.
Mark M 1 of 3 wrote on Jan 18, 2009 11:19 AM:
When I moved here in 1996 Coos Bay’s economy was faltering. I used to joke, “If the US had a depression, how would we know in Coos Bay?”
The situation we’re in right now didn’t happen overnight. Our school district has faced financial shortfalls ever since the passage of Measure 5 in 1992. These chickens have come home to roost.
Studies easily identify what kind of schools educators, parents, and students want. They are expensive. Studies also show that our state’s current funding of education falls short of the ideal by more than one third.
We’re trying to do a $10 job with a five dollar bill.
Not any one thing in particular makes an excellent school. An excellent school comes from a careful mix of thousands of little things working in perfect combinations every single day. Every year since 1992 we’ve taken these things away one by one. Today we’re trying to trim fat off a skeleton.
The situation we’re in right now didn’t happen overnight. Our school district has faced financial shortfalls ever since the passage of Measure 5 in 1992. These chickens have come home to roost.
Studies easily identify what kind of schools educators, parents, and students want. They are expensive. Studies also show that our state’s current funding of education falls short of the ideal by more than one third.
We’re trying to do a $10 job with a five dollar bill.
Not any one thing in particular makes an excellent school. An excellent school comes from a careful mix of thousands of little things working in perfect combinations every single day. Every year since 1992 we’ve taken these things away one by one. Today we’re trying to trim fat off a skeleton.
WISH COOS BAY THE BEST wrote on Jan 18, 2009 9:11 AM:
90% of the districts in the state of Oregon will be having the same conversations as Coos Bay. Coquille certainly is. Few will be exempt, if not this year then they will be next year. Bottom line, schools were created to educate. Sports are nice, but if push comes to shove I don't want a Math teacher cut to save a team. I know that they are good for kids, mine have benefitted greatly. I would gladly pay more for a sport. And before you go yelling at me, "What about the low income people." When I see parents that I know their student is on free or reduced lunch in line buying beer and cigarets I don't feel any too sorry.
Kaye wrote on Jan 18, 2009 8:54 AM:
I am wondering. If they really go down to a 4 day school week, which is 20% less work, I sure hope all the salaries will be decreased by those 20%. Otherwise, it would amount to a raise, right?
Yet another idea wrote on Jan 18, 2009 8:27 AM:
Let's never let the republicans ruin our economy again...never! They all proved themselves to be tools of fascism. They rubber stamped the policies that got us in this mess. The biggest debt they're leaving is an education bankruptcy. Our kids have no future. Never forget what this administration and republican congress did to us. They spent the last 30 years taking us down and the last 2 years filibustering any progress we could hope for. A shame. Shame on them.
Another idea wrote on Jan 17, 2009 11:32 PM:
Ask the unions to take a cut in wages and benefits. The State appears to be edging toward a 1 billion dollar deficit.
Lots of businesses are having to cut back. Government workers are not immune from the changes happening in our economy.
Lots of businesses are having to cut back. Government workers are not immune from the changes happening in our economy.
To think wrote on Jan 17, 2009 10:15 PM:
McCain/Palin got most of the votes in this backwards area! No child left behind...Sound familiar? Has ANY ONE learned the lesson of the last 3 decades? Republicans=fascists don't care to advance kids education. In fact, they want just what happened. The dumbing down of america. What did they get? Kids have no choice but to join the military or become criminals. Even the recruiters are targeting the parents to dump thier substandard kids off to get them "squared away". Suckers! Reaganomics and bushCo destroyed this country and you fell for it.
RE Reality Check wrote on Jan 17, 2009 6:00 PM:
Do you say that because your children did not participate in sports? Remember it is not the fault of the hundreds of kids who do. So... Why punish them ?
To Gene also wrote on Jan 17, 2009 5:55 PM:
Maybe you should keep your uneducated rants to yourself...how dare you insinuate that "OUR" kids are only going to amount to flipping burgers and yard work...You are one of those people who should just super glue their mouth shut and there fingers together...it would be for the betterment of the community !!!
CBNB Mom wrote on Jan 17, 2009 5:51 PM:
If teachers actually taught the lessons the way they used to-a four day work week would be ok. And those admin making huge paychecks should take paycuts and quit crying about not making enough !!!
Cutting out sports would impact the kids in more ways then anyone could imagine. Consider how much discipline goes into sports...keeping ALOT of teenagers on the straight and narrow, helping them learn that they are a part of something bigger than themselves and teaching them to work together.
As far as the college question goes, Gene, alot of the kids get in on scholarships from sports that if hey didn't get they could not afford to go even with good grades...NOW THAT WOULD BE A WASTE !!!
Perhaps everyone needs to quit pointing fingers and work TOGETHER for a plausible solution. There is one we just have to find it ! And I agree the Mill casino and the lottery should be helping fund the education system.
Cutting out sports would impact the kids in more ways then anyone could imagine. Consider how much discipline goes into sports...keeping ALOT of teenagers on the straight and narrow, helping them learn that they are a part of something bigger than themselves and teaching them to work together.
As far as the college question goes, Gene, alot of the kids get in on scholarships from sports that if hey didn't get they could not afford to go even with good grades...NOW THAT WOULD BE A WASTE !!!
Perhaps everyone needs to quit pointing fingers and work TOGETHER for a plausible solution. There is one we just have to find it ! And I agree the Mill casino and the lottery should be helping fund the education system.
Food For Thought wrote on Jan 17, 2009 5:30 PM:
The extra curricular activites for example community service (working without pay)and volunteer, sports, performing arts, Boys/Girls State, job for pay, attend after school tutoring, and various things that are well time spent are looked at by employers and colleges. The reason for this they want to know what is important to the peorson they are going to hire or give money to for scholarships. If a person does very little to show of their free time they will be looked over when being reviewed as an applicate. We need things that are going to keep us busy so that our lives will have more meaning and also not choose to do things that a hazard to our health.
After school activites wrote on Jan 17, 2009 5:12 PM:
For those of you who are against sports and other activites outside of the normal school day as well as physical education classes. There is an importance to these activites. Here are the reasons why, there is reasearch to show that students that participate in sports and PE seem to do better in school they are more orgainized, they have more of a clear mind to retain what they are to learn in school. Sports also helps teach team work and helps with leadership development.
Fred wrote on Jan 17, 2009 4:54 PM:
Four day school week with extended hours will probably work for older students, but what about the grade schoolers? Many lack the attention span for a productive extended school day.
To Gene wrote on Jan 17, 2009 6:58 AM:
Are you kidding me, you are ok with your child pitifull educatiom around here because SOMEONE has to serve you at BK. Some parents want more for there children than they had themselves, and that takes an EDUCATION!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh dont worry you will still have someone to serve you because so many parents around here are more worried about there next fix than their childs education and those kids I am sure will serve you
Oh dont worry you will still have someone to serve you because so many parents around here are more worried about there next fix than their childs education and those kids I am sure will serve you
Gene wrote on Jan 16, 2009 3:11 PM:
I think this idea of a 4 day week is just fine for this area. How many college prep schools do you know of around the area? Where I grew up, there were probably at least 10 within a 100 mile radius. Guess where all the future leaders of our society go to school for the first 12 years or, less? There has to be workers in our society and they don't need to be educated much more than to have a basic reading and math ability. What do you think would happen if all these kids actually got a good education and wanted a good paying job? Who would work the counters at Mc Burgers? Or, do your yard work.
Empty Nester wrote on Jan 16, 2009 1:44 PM:
This sounds great. I wish they would have done this when my kids were still in school.
it works wrote on Jan 16, 2009 12:37 PM:
I lived in wallowa county oregon and they switched to a 4 day week. It took a month or so to get used to, but now I really miss it. at the time I had a child in high school, middle school and elementry school. it really works out great. Talk to other districts that have done it and parents of children in those districts. have them come talk in a meeting. It really can be positive.
Investigate the Lottery wrote on Jan 16, 2009 12:28 PM:
I remember, even as a child in Coos Bay in the 80's, the lottery as promoted as being necessary to ensure the future of education in Oregn. The lottery pulls in obscene amounts of money, so our schools should not be suffering like this. WE ARE BEING DECEIVED!!! WRITE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL AND DEMAND THAT A FULL ACCOUNTING OF ALL THE REVENUE GENERATED BY THE LOTTERY BE MADE AND THE ENXPENDITURES ANSWERED FOR!!!
AMERICA wrote on Jan 16, 2009 11:18 AM:
what has this county become..we dont have the money to ensure our children have a good education but we give billions to CEOs of companys on the verge of bankruptcy..and lets not forget the car makers..
Reality Check wrote on Jan 16, 2009 10:59 AM:
Few Parents Do Their Job: You are right on! Other Comments: Most of the comments I see for keeping athletics seem to be about team and after school athletics. While it is true that we should keep PE as a required part of school curriculum, equating the elimination of football, basketball etc (the after school programs)with growing numbers of obese kids, is insincere because only a limited number of kids are ALLOWED to participate in those programs. Why should someone be paid on the taxpayers dime to be a coach for only a small portion of students engaging in an activity that has nothing to do with academics? You know, the reason why we send our children to school.
Samuel wrote on Jan 16, 2009 7:44 AM:
America! A part-time country!!! What an example to set for the next generation. No wonder why businesses want to cut benefits. If there are nothing but part time jobs and part time schools then the rich greedy A-holes who are responsible for this financial mess do not have to provide benefits to anyone. Now where is that so-called American Dream that everyone talks about? I cannot seem to find it despite the fact that I served in the military, graduated from college and did pretty much what the system said would help me achieve this goal. What a shamm!!! I hope the individuals who work at the employment division read this. If they can at all! not many of them have the brains of a bug!
Mr Butterbur wrote on Jan 16, 2009 4:16 AM:
Go to a 4-day week but make it a 10-hour day to keep teachers and salaries. Eliminate the sports programs altogether. Children who want to play sports should have their parents organize sports clubs. Let the clubs compete and keep academics pure. Awesome!
Few Parents Do Their Job wrote on Jan 16, 2009 1:22 AM:
If teachers would be able to teach properly, but instead they have to take time to correct disruptive behaviors, look for signs of abuse, look for signs of mental health issues, be clothing monitors and censors, check backpacks for weapons, correct late papers, teach about drug abuse and unhealthy choices, patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, respect for others, how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, how to have a good credit rating, and check for lice.
I see way to many students that are in special classes because parents are not taking the time to work with their children when they are young. I know parents have to work but you can make time for each of your children. Being a parent is really fun but it takes time and is a huge responsibility.
I see way to many students that are in special classes because parents are not taking the time to work with their children when they are young. I know parents have to work but you can make time for each of your children. Being a parent is really fun but it takes time and is a huge responsibility.
Satisfied wrote on Jan 16, 2009 12:13 AM:
How many of you complainers have been to a school board meeting? You seem to have all the answers put your words into action and run for one of the school board positions. My answer to consolidation of districts, no way. I like my district the way it is.
Hmmm. . . wrote on Jan 15, 2009 6:13 PM:
Again, CONSOLIDATION. Add up the salaries and benefits of the duplication of administrators between North Bend and Coos Bay and you'll surely find more than a million dollars!
Opinion wrote on Jan 15, 2009 4:46 PM:
To Coos Bay:
There are some very good reasons (not behavioral or troubled kids) for NB kids to be in the CB system and don't forget, vise vera. Don't judge what you don't know! Maybe part of the problem is that people need to think about the kids not what is in "your" CB schools...do you own it? I don't think so.
There are some very good reasons (not behavioral or troubled kids) for NB kids to be in the CB system and don't forget, vise vera. Don't judge what you don't know! Maybe part of the problem is that people need to think about the kids not what is in "your" CB schools...do you own it? I don't think so.
Parent wrote on Jan 15, 2009 4:39 PM:
To MHS student:
Honey, I hate to disagree with you, but you could not be more wrong that there are not that many kids in athletics. There are plent of kids who are participating in football, basketball, track, baseball, golf, for both girls and boys. Kids do get scholarships for running and other sports and it help keeps them focused and part of a committed activity rather than just hanging around after school doing nothing. We just need to find a balance just like there should be for all things in life.
Honey, I hate to disagree with you, but you could not be more wrong that there are not that many kids in athletics. There are plent of kids who are participating in football, basketball, track, baseball, golf, for both girls and boys. Kids do get scholarships for running and other sports and it help keeps them focused and part of a committed activity rather than just hanging around after school doing nothing. We just need to find a balance just like there should be for all things in life.
Me wrote on Jan 15, 2009 4:02 PM:
What is the difference how many days the children go to school. Nobody is teaching them to spell. Read the Wed paper and turn to page C3 and read the letters the children wrote on Lunch Master. They cannot spell. Why ?
Too Unreal wrote on Jan 15, 2009 2:08 PM:
It is so hard to believe these are the same people who voted down the school budgets in November! No police, no school, no place for the kids... Our Country is drowning in a pool of "I want, I want, and I want it for FREE!"
Wake up fools,,, you want your kids educated - get a high paying job and sent your kids to private school - or vote to support your schools' tax basis!
The voters are the ones responsible for the lack of decent education. Greedy administration and the voters!
Wake up fools,,, you want your kids educated - get a high paying job and sent your kids to private school - or vote to support your schools' tax basis!
The voters are the ones responsible for the lack of decent education. Greedy administration and the voters!
Feed up wrote on Jan 15, 2009 1:41 PM:
Why not do away with in-service days? It seemed to me my kids would be out of school on the average about 2 days a month while teachers graded papers and did report cards. Between holidays in-service days curricullum days and teaching teachers how to teach again our kids have nearly a month and half off from a 9 month schedule just with these stupid days. Those deciding such matters are supposed to be educated enough to think thru such things but if the Unions don't approve nether do they, So who's deciding?
Resident wrote on Jan 15, 2009 11:13 AM:
Coos Bay teacher--Is it better for the kids to cut 10 days (basically one day a month) than to be on the four-day schedule? If the four days were lengthened the instruction time would still be there, where cutting one day each month would just eliminate that time. I really want to hear your thoughts.
COQUILLIAN wrote on Jan 15, 2009 10:10 AM:
Some districts have been on the 4 day week for years. They just go a bit longer, and for the middle and high school students they have longer class periods. Many love it. Every district is in the same boat. The reason they do not consolidate is that every district is afraid of being swallowed up by a larger district, thus losing local control. However, it is a good idea to attempt to share some services.
What a Shame wrote on Jan 15, 2009 7:59 AM:
When I was in school, the adverage class in most any grade or class was 30 to 35 students. The kids had homework, the teachers took papers home with them and corrected them. Everything seemed to work fine. Now a days, the teachers and the students are spoiled. If the teacher has to work a full day or if a student actually has to attend a full day of school, both are fit to be tied. Certain classes were required to graduate and you WOULD pass those classes or you would not graduate. Now a days the teachers pad the students grades so they will pass and the students complain if they have to attend school all day. Now days, you see kids on the streets that should be in school, and no one seems to care, and these students are NOT home schooled. It is just all a big political mess and the way school is taught now is a total waste of teachers and students time.
MHS Student wrote on Jan 15, 2009 7:48 AM:
It's not fair that they would consider cutting my education before cutting the athletics (which only a small amount of students particpate in). I'm not getting a scholarship on how fast I can run, and neither are most of my peers. We have to LEARN to get to where we need to go. Cutting the school days down is just going to screw Marshfield over in terms of standardized tests. This school already has lackluster criteria, now they want to make it worse? Even suggesting it is insulting and shows us just where their priorities are.
No wonder nobody in this school cares anymore.
No wonder nobody in this school cares anymore.
mom of 3 wrote on Jan 15, 2009 7:41 AM:
Cutting sports is not going to make our kids fatter. Inactivity is the #1 cause of obesity and guess what that starts at HOME. People want to blame there kids health on the schools but dont want to look at themselves. Turn off the TV, put away the video games and your child might not get fat. You can take them to the park and play football, what a concept. Parents just dont want to take the time or responsiblity around here and it's disgusting. Get off YOUR butt and your kid might be healthier for it.
Beavis wrote on Jan 14, 2009 9:14 PM:
Our chilrend are overweight, despicable physical specimens. However, I'm not willing for my child's education to be cut to four days a week when extracurricular programs are left in undisturbed. Children in Japan and other countries attend school about 30-40 more days per school year than American chilrend. If we are to maintain a place in the world economy, education starts here and it starts at home. That being said, I didn't see anyone here respond to the absurdly thin explanation of administrator transfers. Fire La Vergne. He's an ineffectual micromanager. He is driving away the district's best and brightest talent such as Blossom's Jennifer Haliski.
Coos Bay Teacher wrote on Jan 14, 2009 8:53 PM:
I am a Coos Bay teacher and have a couple of thoughts:
1. As to athletics: we do need them. Sometimes that is the only reason students come to school, but surely we can trim the budget.
a. What if we cut only non-league travel?
b. What if high school coaches shared the responsibility of driving the athletic buses as the middle school coaches do, or something like that?
2. Classified personnel should not carry the burden of cut days. We are a team and need behave as such. What if we cut 10 days, one day a month for all personnel - there's our million dollars. Granted, we could run into compliance issues if we do this frequently, but for a quick fix for next year, it might be valuable.
1. As to athletics: we do need them. Sometimes that is the only reason students come to school, but surely we can trim the budget.
a. What if we cut only non-league travel?
b. What if high school coaches shared the responsibility of driving the athletic buses as the middle school coaches do, or something like that?
2. Classified personnel should not carry the burden of cut days. We are a team and need behave as such. What if we cut 10 days, one day a month for all personnel - there's our million dollars. Granted, we could run into compliance issues if we do this frequently, but for a quick fix for next year, it might be valuable.
Frustrated wrote on Jan 14, 2009 7:14 PM:
Governments ALWAYS rob from the pot of public safety and schools first, then leave it up to either severe budget cuts or the community to make up the difference. It's ridiculous! We're just going to have to combine the school districts and get over ourselves. Meanwhile, we should all be marching up to Salem demanding that the lottery go towards what it was intended for. 100% of it!
too spoiled wrote on Jan 14, 2009 6:43 PM:
It's time to face the facts. Parents need to make more of an effort to take care and educate their own children. teachers need to quit complaining about their work load. We've all had to tighten our belts, and it aint gettin' any better. Accept responsibility for yourself and your families.
HOORAY HOORAY wrote on Jan 14, 2009 5:51 PM:
I am so excited. My wife says if they institute a sales tax, she is going to quit shopping. Hooray, hooray! Made my day!!
Gary wrote on Jan 14, 2009 5:08 PM:
Hey, why not a 4 day week? In ten years they will be considering a 3 day week. They call it cost cutting so they can give out those $10,000.00 raises to the underpaid administrators. Makes sense to me.......How about you?
OKAY wrote on Jan 14, 2009 3:54 PM:
Okay, let's do a sales tax. Will they then do away with our property tax? Or our income tax? Where will it end?
Go back to basics, reading, writing, arithmetic. Cut out the waste. Cut out the "nice to have" classes.
Go back to basics, reading, writing, arithmetic. Cut out the waste. Cut out the "nice to have" classes.
Kristi wrote on Jan 14, 2009 3:15 PM:
Are you kidding me? Cut SPORTS. We've already cut physical education and art.... That is piss poor. And as for learning what really are the essentials.... How about cutting some subjects that if you are going to major in that area they will re-teach/cover those same topics in high school and AGAIN in college. That is if you want to further your education. I think a priority for the kids to learn are the basics; Math, Reading, Writing/English and then good ole' socialization. How about those subjects and leave out the science/history components which if we took a pole are most likely the majorities least favorite and/or the topics everyone forgets. I'm a nursing student now and I had to re-learn chemistry, biology, and algebra even. Face it you don't use it you lose it! Good ole psychology, sociology class is what the kids need these days!
2nd it wrote on Jan 14, 2009 1:30 PM:
I agree with Concerned. Why pay for two school boards? It makes no sense to pay for two disticts when they are just a couple miles apart. Also, it wouldn't affect the rivalry because there would still be two high schools, it would just be ran under one district.... Don't be so quick to cut the athletics. Sports and education go hand in hand. It sets pride, unity, and loyalty. These are things that cannot be taught in class, but more of a life learning experiances that coes with being a part of a team or cheering for that team. Sports is part of eductaion! Still, there are things that can be cut in the athletic dept. There are plenty of parents who will be more than willing to help as asst coaches.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH wrote on Jan 14, 2009 1:00 PM:
WE NEED SALES TAXES!!!! The only way to solve this problem it with more money!! We can't continue to dwindle our childrens education down. Its already getting ridiculous in this area.. It has to stop!! People need to realize that the cost of living increases, but our tax dollars never match that!! Hello, leads to a disaster eventually!
Rumors wrote on Jan 14, 2009 12:33 PM:
School employees are being told that the district wants to balance the budget "on the backs of the classified employees". In other words the people that clean, answer the phones and work one on one with students will loose one day a week of their salary. They are already the lowest paid in the district. How many of those employees will be forced to look for other work because they can not afford to work in their present job. I know of a 25 year employee that makes $13.50 an hour. Where else would that happen? Would you spend 25 years of your life for that pay? Most woulld say no, but those that do these jobs are not there for the money, they are there for the kids. What kind of employees will replace them? Think about that.
coos bay wrote on Jan 14, 2009 10:16 AM:
if coos bay school dont have the money than why is it that north bend kids are in our coos bay schools?
moonpenny wrote on Jan 14, 2009 9:22 AM:
On cutting sports. We cannot cut another sports program in our schools. With the video games, and time spent in class, these kids NEED excercise. Have you watched children getting off their bus's lately? Its like watching cattle being herded. Its horrible to see the condition of these children. We must have exercise in the schools, we must have sports too. Its the only class that teaches health and teamwork.
Randy. wrote on Jan 14, 2009 9:20 AM:
why is it that always the employee making the least amount of money, who does most of the work, has to be the one who is the first to be cut in pay. Businesses, teams, and schools always talks about team work and being a family but when cuts come up the one at the bottom always takes the cut. Shouldn't teachers and administrators loose work days as well as classified. Why should someone maybe making a little over 20k be cut and those making 50k to a 100k not. The corruption from Washington trickles right on down to our local level of government. Such selfishness and lack of care for our students coming from this school board and administrators. These same administrators recieved 5% raises last year, 5% on 80k to 100+k do the math, and they wonder why we are broke. I wonder how much they spend while traveling to all there out of town conferences as well. Administrators, school board members and teachers should have a little more respect for their fellow co-workers who already have lost 7 work days this year.
moonpenny wrote on Jan 14, 2009 9:17 AM:
Now is the time to bring in more Charter schools, and internet based schools. Coos Bay School Dist. has dropped the ball. Parents, Grandparents: these are YOUR kids!
Their education is YOUR responsibility!
The school board is looking for ways for themselves to keep "their" jobs. Find alternatives for your childrens education, they will be better for it.
Their education is YOUR responsibility!
The school board is looking for ways for themselves to keep "their" jobs. Find alternatives for your childrens education, they will be better for it.
Moved On wrote on Jan 14, 2009 8:26 AM:
This is really sad but it makes me glad that I left the town, and am raising my kids elsewhere- in a place where they are getting a solid public school education and opportunities. I won't be back to the coast any time soon.
North Bend wrote on Jan 14, 2009 8:21 AM:
Is North Bend having any budget difficulties? What's the difference? Coos Bay has a larger population, should have more money to support their schools. I'm all for combining the school districts. Why do we need 2 different administrations that are just a few miles apart. That would cut out some dead weight. Let's invest smarter. Stop wasting money on programs like the CIM & CAM.
Mark Smith wrote on Jan 14, 2009 7:59 AM:
I think that this will place more burden on families since they will need to be there for the children on that extra day off. That is going to make a lot of latchkey kids which isn't safe. I think they need to look harder at other areas to see where they can trim things up until the economy gets better which eventually it will.
Not important wrote on Jan 14, 2009 6:37 AM:
The problem is that we are even giving this the time of day. I have learned a lot about human nature in the past year by watching the financial breakdown our country. What happened when all the banks started whining and complaining about how they are broke? We gave them a huge sum of money. What happened next? The automakers started saying they need money or they are going to go broke. So we gave them a large sum of money. The schools have been complaining for years about there lack of funding and this is just a ploy for them to get more money. Its just a chain reaction of complaining to the government so you can get something out of the taxpayers. Has anyone ever considered cutting back on administrators salaries? Has anyone ever considered doing a fundraiser? I say who cares. The public school system is a complete nightmare and a joke anyway.
on the right track wrote on Jan 14, 2009 6:08 AM:
the four day week seems to be a good idea.extend the school year to make up the hours of attendance requirements.As far as teachers being over payed,Id like to see you survive one week in their jobs.
lori wrote on Jan 13, 2009 7:16 PM:
Corbet Or Gresham Or other districts have the four day plan I have nieces nephews that attened those schools that graduated and went on to college I believe its a great idea 4 days a week.
Parents are more concerned about paying child care. I would rather my children go 4 days a week they would not be so tired and grouchy
Parents are more concerned about paying child care. I would rather my children go 4 days a week they would not be so tired and grouchy
Amazing... wrote on Jan 13, 2009 7:06 PM:
Ask a student/athlete who's family can't afford college the value of sports in the school as he is accepted to college with a scholarship. For those of you folks who feel that athletics aren't important for a child, you are sadly mistaken. With as many cuts have been made to physical education over the past 10 years, there are many, many children that NEED sports. It is their outlet, their chance to be special, something to WORK and SUCCEED for! It is always amazing to me how children are expected to suffer for the mistakes of the adults. I sincerely hope that Coos Bay Schools can get it together without cutting sports. Good luck Coos Bay!
always been a coos bay girl wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:55 PM:
WOW! Our schools are so poor we have to cut school days out, or sports for the kids (which gives the kids something to do fun with other classmates, and community, keeping them out of trouble and such)? I guess on that fith day when they should be in school learning, they can be at the visitor's center, I hear that will be nice. 1.1 million dollars worth. Where are your priorities people, because it should be with the children, and OUR future!
MOM wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:52 PM:
I can't wait for my kid to graduate so I don't have to care about this depressing news!! I know that is a bad attitude but this is been going on too long. I just don't see HOW they can cut anymore from the schools budgets. All these bailouts our county is seeing, where is the bailouts for the schools? Isn't our kids education on the list somewhere???
Mom of 3 wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:41 PM:
I thought that we voted in the lottory so we would have good schools. I see The Mill keeps on building why don't they give us the money needed since we give them tax breaks always? I hope there families won't be hurt like mine.
Resident wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:27 PM:
Is there a requirement that a high school "credit" equal 150 hours? That is the standard in Washington state.
To MHS student Mom wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:21 PM:
I agree with most of what you said.except for the idea that sports are not important.We have kids getting fatter and fatter as their lives include less and less physical activity.
And on another note....What does a souring economy have to do with anything,I will bet you all my property taxes will not go down a dime this year.And how is it schools get an increase in funding every year,and we are told we are going to get less for it.The industry I am in has increased at a snails pace by comparison,and it has survived and improved every year as far as the consumers are concerned.They get the product they are promised.Why can schools do the same
And on another note....What does a souring economy have to do with anything,I will bet you all my property taxes will not go down a dime this year.And how is it schools get an increase in funding every year,and we are told we are going to get less for it.The industry I am in has increased at a snails pace by comparison,and it has survived and improved every year as far as the consumers are concerned.They get the product they are promised.Why can schools do the same
Frogs wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:14 PM:
I think schools are overegulated so now they are top heavy to try and keep the goverment happy with all their paperwork. The no child left behind was a good concept but turned into no child to exceed either as all the limited finances are trying to deal with the children with problems. Those teachers are to be commended for dealing with deranged regulations and 30-50 students in a classroom!
2nd generation MHS Grad wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:08 PM:
Interesting that there are two stories. One about the shift of admin, and one about budget cuts. In the story about cuts is talks about eliminating the athletice budget. In the other story it talks about all the shifts and who is going where, but does not say who the new Athletic Director will be. Maybe there won'w be on?
Shelley wrote on Jan 13, 2009 3:42 PM:
Cut the athletics, school is for learning not sports. What happend to neighborhood baseball and football teams that didnt need money. Go back to the basics.
If they change to a 4 day a week I'm home schooling
If they change to a 4 day a week I'm home schooling
Coos Bay Kid wrote on Jan 13, 2009 3:39 PM:
The problem is salaries. The adminstration is top heavy on payroll. A principal should not be paid 100k. Why? Because the community/taxpayers can't afford to pay it. It's ridiculous. Athletics are a tool to use to inspire the kids to want to go to school. I learned more from athletics than I ever did out of any school subject. And I make over 100k a year.
To across the board wrote on Jan 13, 2009 2:42 PM:
Most likely not, since they are salaried. Lucky for them!
Crescent wrote on Jan 13, 2009 1:59 PM:
Geez, I thought Coos Bay was already on a four day week.
What ever happened to the good old days when teachers prepared for their classes either during the summer, before school hours, or after school hours? Now the kids sit at home while the teachers prepare for the next day or two.
What ever happened to the good old days when teachers prepared for their classes either during the summer, before school hours, or after school hours? Now the kids sit at home while the teachers prepare for the next day or two.
MHS Student Mom wrote on Jan 13, 2009 1:57 PM:
I don't see where that will benefit the students. They need to learn. Cutting back on athletics is GREAT. Not every school needs a superb athletics dept. School is for education not athletics. If our students only have a 4 day week, then hours should be longer (8-5) and cut the pay of teachers and administration. They are grossly overpaid for what students are learning.
Gene wrote on Jan 13, 2009 1:21 PM:
What is the purpose of the schools? Is it to produce college ready students or ones that hope to get into professional sports. That is the question that needs to be answered. The solutions will follow.
DAB wrote on Jan 13, 2009 1:06 PM:
Makes sense... when we adults elect the shoddiest administration ever to sit in Washington, letting them loot the treasury, and then it comes down to finding out that we are broke because of it, we punish the kids. They should have known better.
concerned wrote on Jan 13, 2009 12:59 PM:
I don't know a lot about how district operations work, but I think it would be wise to look into combining Coos Bay and North Bend schools. I realize the athletic rivalry is an issue and the "coos Bay" "North Bend" pride. Pride issues could result in students not receiving the education they deserve.
where did the budget go wrote on Jan 13, 2009 12:38 PM:
get rid of the sports budget. It doesnt help the kids education. School is about education learning the basics.Its not about a bunch of dumb jock kids who cant do basic Math or spell, then the suffer when they get out to the job market later on. Its a total waste.
Across The Board wrote on Jan 13, 2009 12:35 PM:
I trust that a 4 day work week with less pay would effectthe Admistration Staff as well, and including the Superintendent.
concerned wrote on Jan 13, 2009 12:03 PM:
Seems to me that cutting sports, as well as learning time, will only serve to reduce the number of kids in our district. Re-establish our athletic programs so that we can be even more competitive & offer the ability to excel academically & we'll be a school where parents want their children. Keep cutting & soon there will be no worries as parents will find districts where kids can thrive.
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