D O T Y B L O G      

Here's the money quote:

Under the agreement, class sizes will average 27 students in elementary school, 32 in middle school and 35 in high school. The number of classroom aides will shrink from 64 full-time positions to 14. A committee is determining how the aides will be assigned.

Let's see: there are 18 schools in the district... 14 elementary schools. So we are looking at less than ONE AIDE per BUILDING? How did we get here? Why is this conversation even happening?

The answers aren't easy and they aren't popular, but they involve Measure 5 knocking the concept of local control for a loop. I suggest we look back at property taxes and local control, perhaps in exchange we reduce income tax a good chunk?

Wait, did he say raise taxes?

Let's look at this a different way: I got a problem needs fixing, I got a tool box. The problem is particularly suited to using some of the tools and ignoring others (say framing in a door won't require the allen wrench, but get claw hammer and a few shims). We have the same situation here with revenue and budgets - we have the tools, but we resist using them for fear of political backlash. We are trying to solve every problem with a limited toolbox, and some jobs that MUST get done need tools we aren't willing to use.

Oregon needs more nimble funding mechanisms - Prineville needs to be able to respond differently than Eugene, yet with Measure 5 making the Legislature as a de facto school board, it's one size fits all.

It's the best tool for every job is a hammer.

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