ann watson; experienced teachers with only BA degrees can be paid less which is what Tea Party types with no children seem to think is needed. Our children deserve the best teachers we can recruit.[/QUOTE said:
I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.
I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated. In simple terms, I believe your premise is horribly wrong.
"Our children deserve the best teachers we can recruit." There is no denying this but they deserve something more. They deserve the best parents possible. Parents that not only care for their education but see that they understand they are not the only human being on the planet. They need guidance and disipline. I note, with dismay, that in the course of public interaction, this is often lacking. If it is lacking there, what must home and school be like.
Now a word on the Superintendent issue. Walton County needs to work toward the Superintendent being hired instead of elected and responsible to the school board. The superintendent should serve at the pleasure of the parents, teachers and school board. Until this scenerio is brought into play, you will continue to have the situation you have now.