Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Cost to determine school calendar

I don't really feel like dwelling on this, but Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre says he will make a decision by July whether to recommend the district move to a "balanced calendar."

The phony baloney online survey that allowed people who don't live in the county to vote multiple times came back about two-thirds in favor of moving to the new system.

That's fine. Whatever. Personally, I don't think it's that big of a deal, although I am skeptical, if only because of the recent push. (Survey Monkey ruse. Heh.)

Anyhoo, it's all going to come down to cost, and I don't think the money is there.

McIntyre says he'll come back with the amount, but there's already some numbers getting kicked around, including as much as $10 million. Now, I'm not so sure it's that high, but if it's above and beyond the school system's expected revenue - and requires a tax increase - I don't see Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett supporting it.

Now will the Knox County Commission. Not if it's going to cost a ton of coin.

Further, there's a number of BOE members who are skeptical (and I'm not talking about the usual crowd). Doug Harris, according to Jack's birdcage liner, for example suggested that if we have the folding paper to cover a balanced calendar then perhaps it should first be used for teacher raises and new technology.

Good point.

Anyway, don't plan on a shorter summer break during the 2017-18 school year.

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