“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” – Douglas Adams
It was the first day back to school today. I’ve been back to work at my school for a while but the students came back today.
As usual, the first day back was a bit of a mess. Thankfully, most of the problems were solved fairly easily. It didn’t help, though, when the computers crashed at the end of the day.
I have to admit, I’m beat. I think I’ll call it an early night tonight.
I know I’ve been very quiet lately. The end of the school year has been a killer and I’m typically too tired to think of anything to write when I get home.
Next year looks to be a lot worse since what is a two person job now will be done by only me next year. Sigh.
Anyway, June 3rd is the last day for students and June 5th is the last day for teachers so I should have some time to recoup and start thinking beyond getting through each day after that.
By a practically non-existent amount, Florida lawmakers have negotiated an agreement to increase per student funding by about $28. This increase will only take place if Florida gets the waiver to receive federal education stimulus money.
The federal package requires that funding go no lower than the 2005/2006 level. States need to apply for a waiver to receive stimulus funding.
Florida had to apply for the waiver because lawmakers have cut education funding to below 2005/2006 levels. In fact, education spending in Florida has been dropping since 2006. Current funding is below 2004-2005 levels.
Florida’s Department of Education didn’t bother to apply for the waiver until this week. The state’s excuse last week was that the details of the waiver application weren’t detailed enough. The Federal government basically told the Florida DOE to get off its butt and fill out the detailed application already.
In order to get the waiver, the percentage of state money earmarked for education must remain at the level it was at last year. I can’t tell you the exact percentage of state money that was earmarked for education, but I doubt it is the same percentage as last year.
For one thing, Florida cut the amount of money set aside for education from last year to this year. Then they cut it again in January of this year. Even their plan to increase funding by $28 per student (using stimulus money) won’t get the state to the level it was at this past August.
The $28 increase is to the levels the state left the schools at when they cut funding in January 2009. That is still below the levels schools were given in August of this school year.
According to one Central FL school finance officer, even if Florida gets the waiver, the funding will only keep “. . .a low number flat.”
The preliminary investigation into an explosion near Bay Meadows Elementary School in Orlando, FL seems to indicate that a paint can or other similar container may be responsible. No explosive devises were found on or near the school.
The temperature here yesterday was in the upper 80s. A tightly sealed paint can left in the sun could definitely build up enough pressure to cause an explosion.
Update: Now they are saying it was a “Fix-A-Flat” that over pressurized and blew up. (4/26/07)
I’m glad I don’t work at Bay Meadows Elementary School or Southwest Middle School today.
A PE teacher reported an explosion near Boy Meadows Elementary earlier this afternoon and the school was put on lockdown. When the Orange County Fire Department investigated they didn’t find an explosive device but they did find white powder near the school. A few hours later, Bay Meadows was taken off lockdown and students were transported to Southwest Middle where parents and school buses could pick them up.
When a school is put on lockdown students can’t leave, even if their parents come to pick them up. This is done to ensure the students’ safety. In a situation like this, if a parent was leaving with their child and another explosion occurred, both could be injured. No one wants that.
I’ll pass along more information as I find it.
