About That New Ill-Timed Email From WSFCS

Right after school ends on Tuesday, every employee gets this email: Kind of funny considering the state of the school system and the reasons why we are there. Legally speaking, this might not be the most pressing issue facing Central Office or the school board. IEP's that might not be met because of reductions, the … Continue reading About That New Ill-Timed Email From WSFCS

Dear WSFCS School Board, Maybe You Should Have A Bake Sale. Or Big Lemonade Stand.

Not ten minutes after hearing on various outlets how more assistant principals in our school system received notices for reduction in force, I see a neighborhood elementary student in her front yard with a lemonade stand and baked goods. It is not too uncommon still to see kids doing such things to raise money, sometimes … Continue reading Dear WSFCS School Board, Maybe You Should Have A Bake Sale. Or Big Lemonade Stand.

1/2 Of My Administration Has Been RIF’ed Since Last School Year. Damn.

If you are a teacher/educator/administrator in the WSFCS system, you know that emails began to be sent to people identified in the "Reduction In Force" currently in its latest stage. What's so egregious about this round is its timing: when it happened and how fast it was announced and then implemented. Not even EIGHT school … Continue reading 1/2 Of My Administration Has Been RIF’ed Since Last School Year. Damn.

Pink Slips Start Today In WSFCS

As was voted upon in this past Tuesday’s school board meeting, the first notices for reduction in force actions (this round) will start today. On a Friday. The day of the first football games. The eighth day of school for students. Some people will get an electronic notice in an email transmission while they are … Continue reading Pink Slips Start Today In WSFCS

UNIONIZE! NC Teachers (And All Public Employees) Should Have Collective Bargaining Rights

It’s a special kind of cruel irony that the only state in the country with the lowest legal minimum wage, no collective bargaining rights, delayed Medicaid expansion, loosely regulated vouchers and charter school expansion, a school performance grading system that measures achievement over growth, and the lowest corporate flat tax in the nation cannot even … Continue reading UNIONIZE! NC Teachers (And All Public Employees) Should Have Collective Bargaining Rights

The Most Frustrating Thing About The WSFCS Budget Crisis

When the state audit of the WSFCS finances was released in response to the budget crisis of 2025, it combed through years of financial statements. What was found was not a one time incident that set the district astray, but a series of mistakes that compounded upon each other to create this storm of a … Continue reading The Most Frustrating Thing About The WSFCS Budget Crisis

So, We’re Going To Pay More For Insurance?

It's not the news one wants to hear, especially with no raises. And just remember, there is no new budget passed this year. If a budget is not passed, then the state automatically reverts to the previous budget’s recurring spending levels which is exactly what has happened this year. The only “budgetary” item that has … Continue reading So, We’re Going To Pay More For Insurance?

In This WSFCS Financial Crisis, We Are Not “All In This Together”

One of the common "loose mantras" being thrown around during this recent WSFCS financial crisis is, "We are in this together." No we aren't. Some voices are louder than others. Some are just hearing and not listening. Some things are being planned behind closed doors. It is hard for a veteran teacher who still sends … Continue reading In This WSFCS Financial Crisis, We Are Not “All In This Together”

August 2025- Numbers To Consider

The most current numbers for the following: Average Gas Price Average Milk Price Average Egg Prices Average Bread Price Consumer Confidence Presidential Approval Rating Federal Interest Rate Dow Jones Index Inflation Rate NC Tax Rates NC Minimum Wage Unemployment Rates Unemployment Benefits Number of People Who Enrolled in ACA coverage Number of Students in NC … Continue reading August 2025- Numbers To Consider

Yet Another WSFCS Budget Update (And The Stages Of Grief)

I do not envy any part of the job that the WSFCS Interim Superintendent is tasked to do. She came into a situation whose negative inertia is still allowing it to create more havoc. It's been nearly five months since the first concern over WSFCS's finances became public. Since that time, it seems that the … Continue reading Yet Another WSFCS Budget Update (And The Stages Of Grief)