Threat to seed corn has not gone away
Two months ago we were told there would be a reduction of teachers in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. At that time, I wrote in to say that is like a farmer eating his “seed corn.” Without teachers, there is no education; without education, there is no future.
Now (Salisbury Post, May 29) we are told that 211 employees, could possibly be laid off. Times are tough, but there must be a better way. For example, a school system in the Northeast (Vermont, I believe) had all school employees vote on whether they would work one day a month for free if all could keep their jobs. Educators cared; vote was a solid “yes.” Problem solved.
The Post article also stated the N.C. Legislature had considered reducing the number of days students attended school. With current scores of end-of-grade (EOG) exams, seems like more days of instruction are needed, not less.
(While serving in Korea in the ’60s and ’70s, I noted students there attend school 11 months a year. Today, South Korea is among the world’s most prosperous countries.) Perhaps we could eliminate school field trips and spend more time in the classroom and save the funds, though small, those trips require. Most trips are “nice to have,” not “have to have.”
Increased class size will result from teacher and support-staff cuts. Two students per class may not seem like much, but it equates to every studen getting less attention when EOG exams tell us more attention per student is needed.
Economically, seems things are going to get worse before they get better. Time to put on our “thinking caps” and seek novel, “new age” solutions to our school problems.
Will the thinkers “come on down?”
ó Ty Cobb Jr.
Rockwell
Thank you, ABC
My wife and I do not drink alcoholic beverages. As a local pastor for the last 22 years, I have personally witnessed the destruction of lives, marriages, families and businesses that came about due to the use of alcohol. However, I believe we all would agree that it is not going away.
For the past three years, Tina and I have had the opportunity to visit several local high schools as Terry Osbourne and his staff educated students concerning the effects of alcohol use. Every assembly we attended had several hundred in attendance. Each time, we were so impressed and thankful that someone was helping the young people we pastor to make better choices. For this, we will always be thankful.
I do not understand all the politics behind what is going on, but it is time for principals, teachers, parents, students and, yes, even pastors, to stand up and say “thank you” to Mr. Osbourne and his staff for a job well done!
ó Bill Godair
Salisbury
In praise of vet home
On March 2, my husband W.C. Chaney died at the N.C. Veterans Home here in Salisbury. I wonder if the people of Salisbury and Rowan County realize what a wonderful facility we have in this home for N.C. veterans.
My husband was in this facility for almost two months, and my family and I could not be happier with the caring treatment he received. From the director, nurses on the second floor, CNAs, therapists in rehab to the housekeepers and people in food service, everybody was so kind and caring, not only to my husband but also to me.
My granddaughter is a registered nurse and her husband is a paramedic in another county, so they have pretty well seen it all as far as nursing facilities are concerned. They had nothing but praise for the cleanliness and care they observed here.
I just want everyone to know what a wonderful facility the N.C. Veterans Home is and to express my thanks for all the care my husband received.
ó Margaret Chaney
Salisbury