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Budget crunching teachers, programs, services
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Written by Stormy Kage, Editor-in-Chief
The following is part two of an ongoing series
Newton County is expected to face a $17 million cut in its education budget for the 2010-2011 school year. This money will affect personnel, programs, and services at Newton High School.
Information on the types of programs and services that will be cut has not been determined. As far as personnel, many are concerned because teachers have yet to receive their yearly contracts. Until contracts are given, jobs are not secure.
“I feel on edge a little bit. If we knew when the contracts were coming, we could prepare. But this is a surprise,” Math Teacher Lisa Fletcher said.
The amount of money cut from the budget will be one of the determining factors for the number of teachers who will return to Newton High School. However, teacher evaluations will be a determining factor for which teachers returns.
Teacher evaluations take place once a year. An administrator will observe the class for twenty minutes and grade the teacher on student participation and success rates.
Also, observers will pay attention to what the students are doing and if they have an understanding of the lesson.
“Teachers will also be rated on their qualifications, their specialized area, and longevity. But, the evaluation scores are considered first,” Newton High Principal Roderick Sams said.
Not only will there be a likely decrease in personnel, student population will decrease as well. According to Publicschoolreview.com, there are currently 2,976 students at Newton High (including Sharp and charter school enrollment — at the building itself, it is close to 2,200). However, the school only has a capacity of 2,075.
“It’s crowded in here,” Sams said. “I like the idea of having fewer students. It will help these kids get to class on time and lesson students moving in the hallways.”
In order to reduce population, along with the “Phase Out” plan, the Board of Education has chosen to redistrict students in the county. The changes have already been made, and those students who are being rezoned will be receiving a letter, if not already, informing on the school they are supposed to attend next school year.
“I think it would be cool to go to a new school. It will be a change,” said sophomore Emily Unger.
Though some may welcome change, others may not. If a student receives a letter and wishes to return to Newton, it is an option, but there will be no transportation to and from school for that student.
“We only live five minutes away from [Newton], but my daughter is supposed to attend Alcovy next year. She has not made a decision yet, though,” Biology teacher Nedeidre Smith said.
Freshman Shantel Stennett also received a letter and will rezone for Alcovy, as well.
“I already made the soccer team [at Newton]. I do not think the rezoning it is smart because I don’t live close to Alcovy,” Stennett said.
The deadline for returning the letter is in April.
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