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the gscs 
COMMUNICATOR
system-wide straight talk
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Employee newsletter published by the Communications
and Partnerships Department
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December 2-6, 2013
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Hello Everybody,
Recently, some fellow superintendents and I were discussing the financial situation that we are all sharing. Later, I received an email that captured all that we had said and more. After reading the email, I wanted to share it with you. So this Communicator message is that email, changed a a little to reflect our situation in Griffin.
"While the rest of the world is adding instructional days to their school calendars, we have the first generation of children in GA since 1985 to not be guaranteed 180 days of school."
- Author Unknown
Funding in General
Educational funding for school systems in nearly all areas other than teacher pay is essentially the same as when the current law was passed in 1985. In the period of time since then, the average cost of goods and services, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has slightly more than doubled. Georgia governors and state legislatures over the years have repeatedly failed to index the funding for essentially everything except teacher salaries, which is the most visible and politically popular part of the funding formula.
The public has heard many times that "Georgia's government is funding public education at its highest levels ever," but that is purely for the simple reason that there are more students in Georgia than there were in 1985 and that teachers make more in 2013 than they did in1985. As for the rest of the QBE funding formula, the state has been happy to pay 1985 funding for the 2013 costs that most communities have today.
Here are some examples of areas that have become severely underfunded by the state, requiring local schools systems to turn to local property tax revenues to keep schools operating.
Secretaries
The state provides only one secretary per school, regardless of its size, with a salary of $15,706 and $1,740 in FY14 for benefits. Depending on the school system, a secretary's actual secretary is about $20,000 - $30,000 and mandated benefits add another $7,100 for health, and almost $5,600 for retirement, Social Security, and Medicare (based on a $28,000 salary). Thus, the state pays our community what a secretary cost in 1985, not 2013. In order for our schools to operate efficiently and effectively more than one secretary is required at each of our schools.
Financial Officer
Each system, regardless of its size, receives state-funding for one 10-month financial officer, usually called a Chief Financial Officer, Budget Director, Finance Offer or similar. State funding is $23,740 for salary and $2,596 for benefits (a little more than minimum wage). The responsibilities of this position dictate a person with significant education, training, and experience, and salaries range from about $45,000 to $75,000 on average. Benefits add from $10,000 to $18,000 to that cost. The state pays about $24,000 total, while the local property owners pay the rest.
In 1985, that was sufficient funding. In 2013, it's putting the burden on local property owners.
Substitutes
The state provides funding for substitute teachers at the rate of $150 per teacher per year. Substitute teachers earn from $55 - $65 per day in Griffin-Spalding County, not including benefits, and state laws require schools to give teachers up to three days off per year for any personal reason. The federal Family Medical Leave Act requires systems to allow employees up to 12 weeks of leave for qualifying medical reasons, for example, the birth of a child, and a teacher who has accrued 60 days of leave would be paid for the entire absence. The system, on the other hand, would have to fund a substitute as much as $5,000 for that period of time, a far cry from the $150 the state gives the school system for that teacher.
Thus, Georgia provides only $150 year based on costs dictated in 1985, and the property tax payers shoulder the rest.
Transportation
Buses, drivers' salaries, insurance, and especially fuel have risen far more than the rate of inflation. In 2002, the state funded $173 million for student transportation. In 2009, that figure was $168 million- $5 million less! - despite a 14% increase in students (200,000 more in 2008 than in 2001) and soaring fuel prices. This year, funding is down to $126 million.
Even though enrollment has increased in Georgia, the state provides less money for transportation and makes the property owners pay more. Most parents and business/property owners have no idea this has occurred.
Final Thoughts
Each year, more and more school systems are going broke...literally.
None of the funding shortcomings listed above include the state austerity cuts since 2002. Since 2010 alone, students in Griffin-Spalding County have lost over $32.7 million in state funding. Resulting in less instructional days for their learning, less work days for our teachers to help them master the much more rigorous curriculum, and higher taxes for property owners. This has caused an increase in millage rates, teacher and staff layoffs, furlough days for all employees, and higher class sizes for our students.
Questions to ponder and discuss:
- What would happen to McDonald's if they had to pay current wages, but could only charge 1985 prices for their food in 2013?
- Did you know before today that the state of Georgia pays less of a percentage of public school education than they did in 1985 and that local property tax payers are paying more?
- Did you know before today that local millage rates for education are related directly to the amount of state funding for all local school systems?
- Do you think that most taxpayers, business owners, or parents know this information?
- How would the economies of our local communities improve if property owners were not receiving an increasing share of the funding burden for public education?
Let me know what you think about this article. Better yet, share and let others know what you think about this article.
Have a great weekend!
Curtis
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GSCS MIDDLE SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Carver Road Middle
Bart Pinckney is Carver Road's employee of the month. Mr. Pinckney creates a classroom environment that appeals to middle school students and engages them in active learning. The excitement that he generates in his classroom resonates throughout the school. He genuinely cares about students' success, socially and academically.
Cowan Road Middle
The employees of the month for Cowan Middle are our Nutrition Staff for providing the Grab and Go Breakfast Program. School breakfast is a simple intervention that can improve children's academic performance and psychological
well-being.
Kennedy Road Middle
Kennedy Road Middle School would like to recognize Mrs. Lori Huston as our staff member of the month. As the 8th grade team leader, Mrs. Huston goes above and beyond to ensure that 8th grade students, as well as her team members, are withholding the PAWS motto. Her leadership and attention to detail is impeccable. With deconstructing the standards, she stepped up to the plate to ensure that her department stayed on task, worked diligently, and included the opinion of all of her peers. Because of her drive, it is with great pleasure, to recommend her as our staff member of the month.
Rehoboth Road Middle
Lynn Akin has been an invaluable member of the Rehoboth Road Family. She has served on numerous school committees including School Council and Leadership Team. Lynn has also served as Science Department Chair, Academic Bowl Sponsor, and a mentor to fellow educators. Mrs. Akin is a professional in every since of the word. She pushes her students and inspires them to make Science a part of life, not just a hodgepodge of information. Her high standards, expectations, and ability to deliver quality instruction continue to pave the way for her students to exceed standards on both the CRCT and EOCT assessments. We salute Mrs. Lynn Akin for her dedication to excellence!
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JRE WILDCAT RESOLUTION RUN
January 11, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
Kick off your resolution for a healthier lifestyle!
Click HERE for registration form
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 CRMS LEGO LEAGUE COMPETITION December 7, 2013 Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m. Click HERE for flyer |
TO: STAN MANGHAM, MRE PRINCIPAL MR. MANGHAM RECENTLY SERVED ON THE "SUPERSTAR PRINCIPAL PANEL" AT A GRIFFIN RESA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR. MR. MANGHAM RECEIVED KUDOS FROM THE GRIFFIN RESA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR DOING SUCH AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB AND MAKING GSCS LOOK SO GOOD. |
TO: GHS STUDENT, JORDAN COLBERT
COLBERT WAS RECOGNIZED IN THE
SCORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NEWSLETTER FOR BEING A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND HIS TEAMMATES.
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2014-15 AND 2015-16 SCHOOL CALENDARS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
 The Board of Education approved calendars for both the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years. Both calendars include the full 180 days of instruction for our students and contracted days for employees.
The approved 2014-15 school year will begin on August 4, 2014 and conclude on May 29, 2015. Students and teachers will have week long breaks during October, November, December, February, and April.
The approved 2015-16 school year will begin August 3, 2015 and conclude on May 26, 2016 and will also have the same week long breaks.
At the beginning of November two calendar options were presented to the Board of Education. The options were posted on the system's website along with a survey to gain feedback. Over 1,400 stakeholders completed the survey, with 988 of those being parents and employees. Of the responses 95 percent favored the calendar that was ultimately approved.
Click HERE to view the approved 2014-15 GSCS school calendar
Click HERE to view the approved 2015-16 GSCS school calendar
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 NEW SPALDING HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCED
The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education appointed Mrs. Lindy Scott as the Spalding High School Principal beginning July 1, 2014.
Lindy Scott has been employed by the Griffin-Spalding County School System for over 18 years. Mrs. Scott began as a teacher at Kelsey Middle School, was promoted to Assistant Principal at Cowan Road Middle, and has been serving as Rehoboth Road Middle School's principal for the last 10 years.
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Read more...
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 PRINCIPAL APPOINTED FOR CARVER ROAD MIDDLE
The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education named
Dr. Tiffany Taylor the principal of Carver Road Middle School beginning July 1, 2014.
Dr. Tiffany Taylor has served Griffin High School as Academy Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach since 2010. Prior to joining Griffin-Spalding County School System,
Dr. Taylor was the Graduation Coach at Mary Pearsons High School in Monroe County and Henderson Middle School in Butts County. Her experience also includes teaching language arts.
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Read more...
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HR HAPPENINGS:
Message from Stephanie Dobbins, PHR, Director of Human Resources
TEACHERS: TLE ROSTER VERIFICATION
The second roster verification window is open in the TLE platform. Teachers must review and sign off no later than December 17th.
Information Resources on the platform: 1)Under the "User Guides" tab, see "Roster Verification" for step-by-step directions 2) Also under "Video Tutorials," see "Roster Verification" Please remember that this process requires that you review and sign off under "Roster Verification" and then sign off under "My TKES Plan." Thank you for completing this task that is an important step in ensuring that the correct student achievement data is associated with your performance evaluation.
ALL EMPLOYEES:
VERITIME IMPLEMENTATION JANUARY 2014
VeriTime is GSCS's new time and attendance management system that works in conjunction with Aesop. Aesop is the system you use to document absences and professional leave; VeriTime documents when you are at work. The systems work together to give a complete picture of your individual work days.
On their first work day in January, all employees will be required to clock in and clock out using the VeriTime system. This includes regular employees and substitutes of all types. Principals and nutrition managers will be issuing each employee a barcode to put on the back of ID badges before we leave for Christmas break. (Note: if you have lost your id badge, replacements are $5.)
Technology is in the process of setting up scanners at each work site for employees' use. Parents and volunteers will not use VeriTime to check in/out. (Schools may or may not continue to offer Ident-a-kid.)
Watch for more information in next week's Communicator.
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"Everyone is gifted but some people never open their package."
~ Wolfgang Riebe
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GOVERNOR'S HONORS NOMINEES
Message from Ashley A. Crawford, Director of PreK-12 Curriculum and Instruction Congratulations to the gifted and talented high school students have been chosen to move forward and represent Griffin-Spalding County School System in the state level competition, which will be held in January. |
Cole, Mary Ellen
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Biology
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SHS
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Smith, Iris
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Chemistry
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SHS
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Chestnut, Abby
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Communicative Arts
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SHS
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Hart, Henry
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Mathematics
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SHS
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Harness, Laura
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Spanish
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GHS
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Kilgore, Hunter
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Latin
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GHS
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Beeland, Emily
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German
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SHS
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Panker, Conner
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Theatre Performance
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SHS
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Smith, Madison
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Music/Voice (Soprano)
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GHS
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Palmatier, Naomi
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Theatre Performance
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GHS
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Few, Kimeon
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Theatre Performance
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SHS
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Yeszkonis, Jessica
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Visual Arts
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GHS
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Kennedy, Scarlett
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Visual Arts
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GHS
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Alexander, Georganna
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Dance
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SHS
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 | | Governor's Honors nominees were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 3rd. |
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LITERACY DAYS FIRST PLACE WINNERS
Congratulations to Griffin-Spalding County School System first place winners of Literacy Days. These students will now advance to the Griffin RESA regional competition which will
be held in February.
READ ALOUD
K Futral Road Elementary Aiden Hogan
1 Crescent Elementary Branden James
2 Crescent Elementary Kassidy Reaves
READY WRITING
3 Moore Elementary Amiyah Cotton
4 Jordan Hill Elementary Ashley Viera
5 Jackson Road Elementary Karsyn Jewell
6 Carver Road Middle Rebekah Weeks
7 Rehoboth Rd. Middle Darla Gore
8 Cowan Road Middle C.J. Clarkson
POETRY RECITATION
K Futral Rd. Elementary Anna Foster
1 Moreland Rd. Elementary River Harwood
2 Futral Road Elementary Jayden Adams
3 Crescent Elementary Mikayla Moody
4 Beaverbrook Elementary Maicee Byrd
5 Crescent Elementary Ansley Potter
6 Carver Road Middle Matheiu Frost
7 Kennedy Road Middle Cameron Ivie
8 Kennedy Road Middle Sarah Dixon
DRAMA
K-2 Jordan Hill Elementary
Alek Alsobrooks, Denver Bryd, Laina Chambers, Logan Edins, Anton Haven, Mikaela Kincaid, Chandler Littleton, Paris Mancera, Ryleigh Martin, Alyssa Mays, Omarcus Newton, Layla Petty, Jaylynn Tarleton, & Kiera Wright
3-5 Crescent Elementary
Thomas Smith, Mat Fluker, Ryan Gravitt, Sally Waits,
Lorelai Smith, Jonathan Hale, & Elicia Threatt
6-8 Rehoboth Road Middle
Jena Aikens, Elsie Wright, & Madison Hale
 | | GSCS Middle school students waiting to recite their poems. |
 | | GSCS Middle school students preparing for their drama performance. |
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BOE NAMED A 2014 QUALITY BOARD
Congratulations to the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education for becoming a 2014 Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Quality Board. Our board will be honored at the 2013 GSBA annual conference in December.
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BOARD BRIEFS
Click HERE to view the December 3rd Board of Education briefs
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GSCS NOVEMBER MVP'S
Message from Jessica Layfield, Parent Involvement Coordinator
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Mr. and Mrs. Key were recognized at the December 3rd board meeting and received a "Tailgate Pack" donated by Chick-fil-A.
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The volunteers selected as Griffin-Spalding County School System's Most Valuable Parents for the month of November are Mr. Jimmie Key and Mrs. Bobbie Key from Anne Street Elementary School. Mr. and Mrs. Key spent hours helping the Anne Street staff build their float for the 60th Celebration parade. Mr. and Mrs. Key generously pulled the float during the parade, helped take everything off, and then drove it back to the owner in Monroe County. "We are incredibly thankful for parents like Mr. and Mrs. Key and appreciate all they do for our school," stated Evelyn Jones, Anne Street Principal.
Congratulations to all of the November school-level MVP's!
Click HERE to view complete list. |
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"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie
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GALILEO PASSWORD CHANGE
Old password: towering
New password: fetch
Password will change on 01/03/2014 and will be valid until 03/24/2014.
* Remember, passwords must be entered in all lowercase characters.
GALILEO Homepage: http://www.galileo.usg.edu
GALILEO Kids' Page: http://kids.galileo.usg.edu
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 SMART SNACKS FOR GSCS STUDENTS IN 2014 Beginning next school year, Griffin-Spalding County School System will implement "Smart Snacks in School" standards, which will offer healthier snack options for students during the school day. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required USDA to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools -- beyond the federally-supported meals programs. The "Smart Snacks in School" rule is a set of nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold in schools. Once implemented, the guidelines will ensure that snacks in all vending machines, school stores, a la carte lines, and snack bars are healthy. Read more... | |
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Laura Beaber, Editor
Griffin Spalding County School System
PO Drawer N
Griffin, Georgia 30224
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