Recent Comments
Re: “School board and Vargas have last-minute budget fight”
The situation that happened at last night's meeting is why I call for a budget that outlines EVERY DOLLAR SPENT BY RCSD. I call for a community effort that will help develop and manager the districts budget. It's not enough for the Board members to question it now (especially in the heat of a democratic endorsement process). These questions should have been raised and reviewed all along with the help of a Community Budget Review Committee; a year-round effort by Board, community members and RCSD staff to find the best programs and best budget possible to give our children the best chance at a quality education in Rochester.
It's implausible that data is not available- it is there but you have not looked at it or recorded it because the Board has never before pressed for you to actually account for the money that is spent. "Small" contracts (under $35K) that are unregulated, and go unaccounted for, yet continue to take dollars away from the classrooms are unnecessary. How can we continue to allow money to be spent money without Board approval, yet there are cuts to programs that are deemed important like summer reading. (Center for Youth budget was slashed over $750K in the proposed budget- yet will still work without the district's support to help prevent "summer slide".)
Our Board members talk about not having "three to four years to turn the corner"... we have given you over 12 years Ms. Powell, and suddenly you're unsatisfied now?! I don't have one more MINUTE to see another dollar wasted on failing students, and failing programs.
Re: “Primary endorsements”
I'm disappointed by the school board endorsements. How can City Newspaper continue to talk out of both sides of their mouth? Your newspaper has claimed to be discouraged by the current board and their lack of results for RCSD youth, but continue to endorse the same people you have scolded and claim you don't trust and who don't serve our children!?
As for not endorsing me for my lack of knowledge, I will not have the experience and depth of knowledge of anyone who is a current board member. Experience and knowledge comes with time on the job. I will especially not have the depth of knowledge that comes from Willa Powell, a member of the School Board for 16 years; 16 dismal years. That reason for your not endorsing me is weak.
You are perpetuating the cycle of insanity when it comes to the Rochester City School Board; doing the same thing, but expecting different results. I am deeply disappointed with you City.
~Mia Hodgins
Rochester City School Board Candidate