Someone asked for the last few years well here they are. But please remember some years had debt exclusions and I believe one year had an override.
2013 14.12
2012 14.60
2011 12.55
2010 11.75
2009 10.20
2008 9.20
2007 8.54
2006 9.44
2005 9.91
2004 11.65
2003 13.68
2002 13.56
2001 12.03
2000 11.82
Now for a question - and yes I have a grandchild and great grandchild currently in the school system and two more grandchildren and two great grandchildren who will attend in a few years. They all live in town and their families and extended families pay taxes. Years ago you just sent your kids to the school in the town/district you lived in. I you had a problem with that school system you sent your kid to private school. I had one grandchild that his parents sent him to parochial school at their cost. years ago when people moved many chose the town to live in by the school system. We seem to have become a society of lets move where there are cheap houses and taxes and then opt for school choice and make the district that is struggling pay. I realize that the students that opt in to Narragansett give us money but is it really worth it when you weigh having more kids coming into the district? Just a question.
Thanks for listening.
Going to a school in the town you live in does more for the child, than sending him/her off to another school, in a different town, in my opinion. I went to school at Templeton Center, and spent the whole time with some of the same kids. You develop relationships that last for the rest of your life. . Attending a school in your home town, means you are involved in activities in your town, and helps you to develop a investment in your community. The new people in town have no connection with the past and the people who have paved the way for you and I.. The lack of a connection with the town and the people running it shows now more than ever. Last night the lady I was sitting next to was very angry that the Selectmen would not push for a over-ride. This is what the bottom line is., for them. The fact that some of the people who support the school, do not understand or do not care what loosing the people who run the town, or what it will do to their families, is very sad. The only reason to support school choice is so some of our kids do better in a school like Monty Tech. At least they come out of school with skills to get a job, and are able to make a good living. That is a lot more than I can say for attending Narragansett. .Bev..
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with your last statement. All of my children received a good education from Narragansett. Two went on to attend public colleges and one to a private school. They are all employed (last time I checked). I hope your experience at Narragansett is the exception and not the rule.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see every child have a positive experience at Narragansett. I think we can find a way to make a better school system and a better town.
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DeleteGood points, Mrs. Farrell. I feel I got a very good education at Narragansett, as well. At least as good as any public school has or had to offer. Let's all keep trying to make things better. I know you have done your share of hard work toward this goal. Have good evening everyone.
DeleteJulie - I agree, Chris and I were more than satisfied with the education that our sons received. We believe that school gives an individual the opportunity, but it is up to them to grab onto and make the most of the opportunity. Both of our sons were able to earn BS degrees in engineering within 4 years of leaving 'Gansett. You can't do that if the school is deficient in offering education to its students.
ReplyDeleteWe've lived in Templeton for only 28 years, so we're not recognized as "natives". Christine attended Templeton schools, she is the "most smartest" person I have ever known. She also was an honors graduate of NRHS. The point I am trying to make is that if students are motivated, they can excel. If they are not motivated, if they have unrealistic ideas about their individual "greatness", NRSD cannot give these students what they need to succeed. Not a knock on 'Gansett, just my observation and my belief.
As a community, Templeton is doing a very fine job of educating our young people. In my opinion, this education is much more dependent on parental expectations and involvement than on any school staff. Especially guidance, psychologists and administrators.
I have to say, yes, maybe I am wrong about graduating from NRHS, but you have to remember a lot has changed since I went to school. When I graduated, our high school was still teaching agriculture and "Homemaking !!. I do not care where you go to school, the experience is only as good as you make it. I had people in my class who did very well for themselves. To go to a trade school is perfect fore some people, and they usually come out of there pretty much ready to work. Mark, you have stepped up to help!! Do you know how huge that is?? How many times have we (C4T), asked for help, and ended with no one willing to step up. You did and I thank you. I still think one of the problems we are having is a lack of connection with the rest of the town, mostly because everyone is so busy, and spread so thin.. It is easy to talk about eliminating a position, if that position does not have a face, or the understanding of what that person does, and how loosing them would effect the rest of the town. A joint fund raiser would be wonderful, and I have a good idea for one. Lets hope this school vs town thing can be resolved, for the good of everyone. Bev.
DeleteI get what you're saying Bev. College is not for everyone, many people are more succesful without college. The best thing that can happen is that a person finds work that they enjoy and earns enough doing that work to keep them out of hock. A high percentage of recent college graduates are working in jobs that require no college. Young folks are much better off learning a skilled trade than being saddled with college debt while working at Starbucks.
ReplyDeleteMark, Thanks, you pretty much understand what I was saying. Too many kids get out of high school with no abilities, no tools to help them make decent money. I still think "school choice" should be if a kid want's to go to a school like Monty Tech, or there is a course they absolutely have to have, for a justifiable reason. If the Superintendent wants to take JV Sports away from the kids, it is up to the parents to speak up and tell her no!! It is her job to find creative ways to work this thing out. Make her understand that! Bev.
DeleteI understand what you are saying, too Bev. I absolutely totally agree that vocational schools prepare you much quicker & better, than a traditional high school, for a trade, skill or other good paying jobs that do not require years of college or the need to go into huge debt before you have even started your career. College & Universities are a Big Business. They are good, I do not regret getting my degrees but, I also believe strongly in getting other trades & skills behind you, if possible. It is a great way to diversify yourself. As Mark also pointed out, college is not for everyone, nor can a lot afford it these days. There are boat loads of graduates who can't find a job & have had to move back with family. Education is wonderful but jobs at the end of that is the key. Thanks for your input & thoughts about looking for a career path that can take care of individuals & family without costing so much & get to that end in a more timely manner. The old fashioned apprenticeships are coming back, too. That is another alternative to college. Beautiful day out there today. Hope you all are enjoying it.
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