We very well could be sailing through waters during the calm before the storm.
Some painful and unpopular decisions will likely have to be made concerning extra curricular activities in the Barrow County School System in coming months.
While the sea is somewhat calm as we go into the 2012-13 school year, there is a fear that the waters will be very rocky next year at this time.
With a dwindling reserve total, the local school system will have to continue to find ways to cut in an attempt to save money. Already some areas have been cut to the bone and the next step would be total elimination.
Athletics are a common area many like to cut. Not able to see the bigger picture, there are actually some who believe high school athletics should be eliminated all together. That’s nonsense, however.
Part of the education experience is being a well-rounded student. Going to school, sitting in the classroom all day and then going home does not make for a complete student. It’s not just about athletics. It can be a student participating in drama or 4-H or JROTC or any number of clubs or activities.
Already, the school system has looked at eliminating bus drivers for athletic teams. Now it seems coaches will be responsible for driving their teams or groups to games and events. The amount of money saved is minimal in the grand scheme of things, but this gives you an idea how much the school system is looking to cut costs. In addition, this change is bad for a number of reasons including safety concerns. Is it really the best thing to have a coach driving a bus after he or she has been at school since 6:30 in the morning, worked all day and then forced to drive the bus back home late at night?
What may seem to work on paper often does not work in reality.
The best thing for concerned parents to do at this juncture is to let their school board member know their feelings and support of the extra-curricular programs currently offered through the Barrow County School System. Tell school officials not to eliminate these programs which have meant so much to students for years and that they need to continue to be offered.
A good place for some cuts, if they are so needed, are with some of the out-of-control salaries for administration positions within the system. Start with those making in the six-figure range and continue with those in the high five-figure range. Do not take away from programs offered to students.
Make your point known in a firm but courteous way. Write letters to this newspaper voicing your opinion. We will print every such letter we receive. Stir the storm and let school officials know what’s important for your child.
This is not the time to stand silently by. Once something is taken away, it’s all but impossible to bring it back.
And remember if all else fails, there are other education options for your children in the area.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can contact him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
