Prince began her presentation by emphasizing the size and complexity of the school system with statistics to support her assertion that "school systems are very complex organizations," comparable only to hospitals in their nature.
"Approximately one-fifth of Scotland County residents are in public schools," Prince said. A portion of the presentation was reserved for the county's school floor law, which requires the county's spending to increase along with the state average, with Prince pointing out that the schools do currently get "a strong effort from our local government."
While local funding for the Scotland County School System continues to be below the state average, the amount of money received from state and federal sources has been consistently above the average for systems in North Carolina. Compared specifically to counties which are in Scotland County's low-wealth class, Scotland County receives, on average, more money than them from state and federal sources. This outside funding advantage was credited to the continuing effort put forth by the county government.
"We get full low-wealth funding because when the low-wealth formula was developed it required local governments to put forth an adequate effort," said Prince. Were Scotland County's school system spending to go down, Prince said, then so would the outside funding because Scotland County would lose its "full" low-wealth status. The comparatively high level of state and federal funding was credited to the county's "aggressive" grant-seeking efforts by Prince.
"If there is money available for our students which is in alignment with our goals, then we will work, even into the wee hours of the morning to get it," said Prince.
Why don't you do a favor for the county and go to the website below (NC Report Card) and see how the school has been doing over the last 5 or so years, especially since they implimented the Smaller Learning Centers. Report what they are actually achieving, or should I say, not achieving.
Check out each SLC. Two SLC's are at Low Performing, which means less than 50% are at grade level, three SLC's are Priorty rated, which means 50-60% are at grade level or less than 50% are at grade level, and we do have somewhat of a bright spot. Math and Science is at No Recognition which means 60-100% are at grade level, but if you look at the report for Math and Science, expected growth not achieved.
You decide, is SHS doing a good job of educating our students? If you are satisified with these low test scores, then I guess you are a proud supporter of the current high school adminstration. Look at the history since the SLC's were started.
The administration seems to able to sell everyone on what they are doing, but the test results tell the real story. Not to mention we have probably lost over 80 good teachers the last several years.
1ConcernedParent
http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/