Update On Pre-Kindergarten !

An update on the Pre-Kindergarten Program was given last night. It was announced that a total of 86 students are enrolled in the Pre-K Program. Plans were announced that these children, parents and other family members would soon be going on a bus trip to Limoland as an activity.

The budget for this program is set at $527,356.00. When the budget was being discussed earlier in the year it was stated by Mr. Jackson that the program would include between 94 and 100 children. With the current actual enrollment at 86 that is a cost to taxpayers of $6132.05 per child. That is more than it cost to educate a child in grades one through twelve. With all unbiased reports revealing no significant advantage to a child past third grade, over one not having attended Pre-K, this is one very expensive daycare program that is eating a huge hole in the education dollar.
Allen Barrett

Congratulations to The School Board

Last night at the School Board meeting the results of a long awaited telephone audit was announced and a new agreement was entered into by the school system that will save over $1200.00 a month. Thanks to the School Board's proactive stance there will be no more $1.00 per minute calls made at taxpayer expense. There is reason to be encouraged by this Board.

Now if the city and county would only follow suit. When I asked the city manager over a year ago now many phones were being used by city workers, how many personal calls were being made and at what cost to the city he very defensively responded that he didn't know and wasn't concerned about it. This was stated in a City Council Meeting. It's this kind of attitude that keeps cost up and confidence in public officials low.
Allen Barrett