BleacherCoaches.com

Do you really want to know what I have to say psycho? I'm flattered. Well, not really. Maybe this is a good move for them, I really don't know because I don't live there. And unlike you, I do not possess an extreme viewpoint that seeks to divide and conquer my fellow bleachercoaches. Actually, I am a realist. You can preach CONSOLIDATION all that you want, but in the end, those who are involved will fight it out amongst themselves, and ultimately meet somewhere in the middle.

Its not outlandish for schools that are next door to merge at some point, but you can't try to merge an entire county together. Parents won't stand for it. Laurel Valley and Ligonier Valley merged last year and we all know how their football team came together in one big lovefest. Aahhh, isn't that special. Meanwhile, the board planned on saving a boatload of money after the consolidation. Apparently paying for all of the kids who switched to cyber-school and the nearly one million dollars in fuel costs from the additional bussing, the savings aren't what was expected. From what I hear, there are still those who want the old school reopened and the battle may not be over. This is only one case, but it is what happens when a small group tries to force their will over everyone else.

The bottom line is there needs to be discussion and input from everyone involved. You can't have one side yelling incessantly without a plan. The loudest voice isn't the best. It's just the loudest, and often times the most stupid. You have to discuss the issues and involve everyone in the debate. You complain all of the time about the "self-esteem" model but you fail to realize that if the zealots on that side had their way, it would be ten times worse. Issues need discussed and decisons made jointly. This is America, isn't it?

I am just curious as to who will be named the head coaches of each sport?? Especially football. Didn't Lewistown just hire a new coach last year?

When you offer starting wages that are as hilarious as $18K a year, which Ferndale did, you are going to get applicants who want to make $18k a year.

Thats really all that needs said.

I'll say this too. I dont know squat about teacher's unions, but being in a public school in LA county is like being in a school in a third world country. There is no way in hell those schools are being funded adequately.

The Ancient Enemy wrote:I'll say this too. I dont know squat about teacher's unions, but being in a public school in LA county is like being in a school in a third world country. There is no way in hell those schools are being funded adequately.

As a matter of fact those schools are OVER FUNDED. Its all the crap they spend it on that doesn't work.

Right now in LA County they spend between 19k and 24k per year per student. That is disgraceful. When you have modern day crime families (unions) in there hands in things this is what happens.

For instance, tell me why a teacher in PA does not have to pay 1 cent for healthcare for their family. Nothing. Zilch. Zip. Why should taxpayers be on the hook for that???

http://www.examiner.com/county-politica ... y-s-budget

Those teachers are not making bank in the LA county public system. I dont know where the money goes, but I am telling you it def is not going to the classroom.

Rockafeller is smiling in Hell thanking you for hating the unions that call for 8 hr work days and an end to child labor laws. The unions are not the problem.

I do not claim to have all the answers. I only make some observations for the sake of discussion and hope something better may come of it. I worked in a union setting my last job, for 5 1/2 yrs. The apprenticeship programs in unions have merit, but things like prevailing wage laws are what screws up this country and stifles competition. This country does have the highest standard of living, and corresponding wages, in the world. Name me a country better, and we can argue back and forth all day. The main point I'd like to make is, if you don't offer more than 15 K and someone else somewhere else is offering 18K, take it. Move. You have freedom to do that in this country. Of course we are going to have to spend more $$ per student than most countries because of our standard of living. That doesn't guarantee we as taxpayers are getting the best "bang for our bucks". I do know one thing. Just because some people are on a school board doesn't mean they are automatically the sharpest tacks in the pack. If they refuse to listen or explore all options due to their self-perceived elitism, then they need to be voted out. God grant these people the wisdom to guide their decisions.

The Ancient Enemy wrote:Those teachers are not making bank in the LA county public system. I dont know where the money goes, but I am telling you it def is not going to the classroom.

Rockafeller is smiling in Hell thanking you for hating the unions that call for 8 hr work days and an end to child labor laws. The unions are not the problem.

Is this 1911 and not 2011? Thats what unions fought for 100 years ago. If you think that is still the case calling you naive is too soft a word.

You are right about one thing, that money is not going to the classroom. It goes to the unions/union pension funds/healthcare costs and right back to the Democratic party in the form of political donations.