Just a year

ago, administrators received substantial pay raises. This

was accomplished by supposedly increasing the number of

days principals work; in realty, the actual amount of

time principals work increased little. Although the

number of contract days increased, principals were also

given as much as three additional weeks of paid vacation.

Our county

is well known for having one of the lowest teacher pay

scales in the metro area. However, our school leadership

seems to be concerned about increasing pay for

administrators and not for teachers.

The

increased administrator pay caused much uproar among

teachers last year and had a very demoralizing effect.

For

example, it was a matter of much questioning and concern

at the county-level Communications Committee meetings (a

committee consisting of a representative from each school

in the county).

Since

principals control our room assignments, our teaching

schedules, and a variety of other items, it is very

difficult for us to express our opinion publicly about

the matter. In addition, there was basically an unwritten

agreement among teachers last year that we would say

little because of the impending SPLOST vote in the fall.

We did not feel that the school district needed any more

negative publicity.

Now more

pay increases are proposed. Particularly disheartening is

the fact that the last pay increase for principals and

the presently proposed one have both been discussed in

the summers (while school is not in session, while many

are vacationing, while many are not watching what is

happening)

Fayette

County schools have a tremendous record of academic

achievement. However, our ability to attract and keep

superior teachers is seriously threatened. It is not just

salaries, it is the misplaced priorities of school

leaders that is a concern to local teachers.

This county

desperately needs funds for adding additional classrooms,

upgrading technology, and for a variety of other items

that will improve instruction. All of this is jeopardized

when school leaders make poor decisions and promote

indefensible ideas.

Frankly,

upon examining recent actions, one does not have to

wonder why the citizens of this county have twice

defeated SPLOST.

Name

Withheld by Request