The Story
It seems like the taxpayers are getting way too much attention.
Explain
Maybe it’s just us, because we like being the center of attention, but it seems like the budget process revolves more around what the taxpayers will pay instead of what the school system actually needs. So we sat down with Mr. Fournier to see what’s what.
And?
It’s both. According to Mr. Fournier, the taxpayers are always in the back of their minds when creating the budget, but they start to think about the taxpayers more when the final number becomes clearer. Although there’s another reason the taxpayers may be more important to the discussion this year. (And it’s not because the administrators are scared of Bedford parents.)
What’s that?
With the budget’s failure last March, making sure this one passes has been at times driving the discussion. It’s why the board is giving the taxpayers a choose your own adventure — they have the budget, the sprinkler system, the athletic maintenance, etc. (hint, hint, all of the above). However, just because the taxpayers in some ways control the discussion doesn’t mean that they aren’t thinking about the students.
How so?
The taxpayers are the reason the school board and the administrators cut items from the budget. But Mr. Fournier said that a higher budget does not translate to a better education. So these cuts aren’t worsening the education system (though we’re sure there are about 50 Latin students who disagree). And the increase in the budget doesn’t even impact students’ education. The proposed 4.6% increase in the budget is driven by increased insurance and transportation costs, and teacher raises. But if the budget fails, these expenditures are still required, and will take away from student-benefitting items.
The Runaway
It’s a win-win scenario for everyone…but only if it passes…
What to do…
When you’re in desperate need of Democracy in Action hours…
Maybe follow Machester’s lead? In November, Manchester voted to add non-voting student positions to their school board. So what about Bedford? Mr. Fournier said he’s open to the idea, but the current board is already pretty tolerant of students voicing their opinions. They usually let students comment throughout the meeting, and only let parents and other adults comment during the designated time at the beginning. However, while this board has been more lenient, students still cannot technically be a part of the conversation — they aren’t allowed to respond to certain points. We’ve only seen the board allow them to add new information and comment on opinions. But Mr. Fournier said he’s not sure just any student would be helpful. For the lacrosse issue, he valued the players’ attendance at the meetings and doesn’t know that a student on the board would’ve added in a way they didn’t. Though the point of the position is to get rid of the disconnect between the board and the students. Given how provocative issues have to be before students are motivated to attend, the current board’s tolerance doesn’t remove the disconnect.
When you’ve had surprisingly little to do in class…
Be happy the end of the semester wasn’t made worse with midterms because this wasn’t the case at the beginning of BHS. Ready for your BHS history lesson? In 2016, the school changed its policy. There were still midterms – but only if you were failing. Everyone else got the day off, or competency recovery days. Eventually, the school transitioned out of using midterms because they didn’t feel they were necessary anymore, which, we have to say, was really great judgement. Now, all we have left of the old rules is competency recovery, which isn’t a bad legacy to leave behind, if we do say so ourselves.
Things to Know
It’s that time of the year again..
Course selection is open until February 3 (and the fancy new web page is up!). The winter dance is Saturday at 7:00. And senioritis has hit us like a truck. We hope you’re dealing with January better.