Problems with education in RI....and in America

One problem is stated but not well explained and another problem is not really stated.

Providence plans to pink slip all teachers
01:00 AM EST on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By Linda Borg Journal Staff Writer
PROVIDENCE — The school district plans to send out dismissal notices to every one of its 1,926 teachers, an unprecedented move that has union leaders up in arms.

In a letter sent to all teachers Tuesday, Supt. Tom Brady wrote that the Providence School Board on Thursday will vote on a resolution to dismiss every teacher, effective the last day of school.

In an e-mail sent to all teachers and School Department staff, Brady said, “We are forced to take this precautionary action by the March 1 deadline given the dire budget outline for the 2011-2012 school year in which we are projecting a near $40 million deficit for the district,” Brady wrote. “Since the full extent of the potential cuts to the school budget have yet to be determined, issuing a dismissal letter to all teachers was necessary to give the mayor, the School Board and the district maximum flexibility to consider every cost savings option, including reductions in staff.” State law requires that teachers be notified about potential changes to their employment status by March 1.

Now the fact Rhode Island has budget problems should come as no surprise. Many a state has that issue. But here is an issue that raises an eyebrow.

“This is beyond insane,” Providence Teachers Union President Steve Smith said Tuesday night. “Let’s create the most chaos and the highest level of anxiety in a district where teachers are already under unbelievable stress. Now I know how the United States State Department felt on Dec. 7 , 1941.” That was the day the Japanese government bombed Pearl Harbor.

I don't know what is more screwed up. The fact he compared being laid off with one of the greatest attacks we've ever suffered.  Or the fact the writer felt it necessary to write down what was the significance of December 7th 1941.  I would think someone with a basic knowledge of American history would not need to be reminded of the event of that date.  Like the readers of this paper....or a graduate of these public schools.

Mr Smith maybe you should ask if the people of RI are getting their money's worth in education spending.  If you are doing your job right a reporter in the future will not have to explain the significance of September 11 2001. It looks like Ms Borg has already made her judgement.