Monroe Schools- Money Crisis

From the Journal....

More than 300 seek answers to Monroe’s financial woes

MONROE — While fiscal emergency appears imminent for Monroe Local Schools, more than 300 residents showed up at the community meeting Tuesday night looking for answers as to why the district is in a financial hole

The district was placed in fiscal watch last week by the state auditor’s office, and may request to be placed in fiscal emergency without submitting another recovery plan, which would then allow the state to appoint an oversight commission.

In addition to the 19 positions being eliminated, Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said busing routes will be reduced from 23 to 15, which will save the district more than $400,000.

Among the cuts will be three elementary music teachers and two elementary/junior high art teachers

Other changes include: administrators will be tasked with additional responsibilities; pay-to-participate fees will increase for athletics, marching band and after school clubs; and one assistant coaching position from each sport will be eliminated, a savings of a little under $1 million

SO.....WE HAVE THE TEACHERS TAKING A HIT. WE HAVE THE ARTS AND MUSIC PROGRAMS TAKING A HIT. WE HAVE THE EXTRA CURRICULARS TAKING A HIT. WE HAVE THE BUSING ROUTE NUMBERS TAKING A HIT........BUT NO ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS WERE HIT, JUST TAKING ON A LITTLE MORE RESPONSIBILITY. NOTICED IT IS A COMMON PRACTICE THAT THE PEOPLE MAKING THE DECISIONS AT THE TOP ALWAYS PROTECT THEIR LITTLE MOUNTAIN TOP POSITIONS WHEN IT COMES TO CUTTIN' TIME. IF MONEY SAVINGS IS THE ISSUE TO GET OUT OF DEBT FOR THE DISTRICT, WHY NOT CUT THE HIGH PAYING SALARIES AND REALLY MAKE A DENT IN THE DEBT? SAME FOR ANY DOWNSIZING EVENT, PRIVATE OR PUBLIC.

“We need to work together as a committed group of people to focus on the children of this school district,” Lolli said. “While we (district officials) in this room will provide leadership, we cannot do this without community support. We will pull out of this.”

ARE YOU SURE LOLLI, THAT THE PEOPLE IN MONROE WANT YOUR LEADERSHIP ANYMORE WITH THIS MAJOR SCREWUP. YOU ARE THE SUPER. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHIP RUNNING CORRECTLY. YOU ARE PAID WELL FOR DOING SO. YOU DID NOT OVERSEE YOUR OPERATION AS YOU ARE PAID TO DO. YOU SHOULD GO TO. YOU HAVE FAILED THE KIDS, YOUR SUBORDINATES AND THE COMMUNITY. WHY DON'T THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE EVER TAKE THE HIT? WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE PEOPLE IN THE LOWER ECHELONS OF THE ORGANIZATION, THE PARENTS AND THE KIDS WHO ARE PENALIZED?

THIS APPLIES TO ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT....NOT JUST MONROE......(MIDDLETOWN).

Three administrators are being cut -- I believe 2 principals are included.

Thanks Bill and sorry for the melt down all. Still don't get how this happens with the citizens shocked.