RIF'd Apart...

I don't get what is up with these RIF (Reduction in Force -- I asked my Mom that one) letters.  Why are we cutting so many people? Most are teachers that we happen to need.  I understand we are having major budget cuts but why cut from the main line to the students?

Shouldn't we be cutting from other things that don't affect us as harshly; like those things that are nice to have but not vital to our education.  Let's take sports for example.  We had a basketball court donated not too long ago and we have a field named after a Milt Campbell an Olympiad -- why can't we asked these people who have private funds and foundations to help us out in these areas.  Let's reach out to musicians like Winston Marsalis and Queen Latifah to help us keep our music programs going on privately funded dollars so we can use the current budget money to make sure we have the fundamental math, reading, science and writing programs we kids need to be smart and get good jobs.

And finally on this RIF and non-tenured stuff...I think it is so dumb that people are let go based on the amount of years they've been on a job.  It should be based on how effective you are as a teacher and how well your students are performing.  After all isn't that what the education business is all about?  If you are not doing your job then you should be fired, and student who are failing at such a high rate is evidence that someone is not doing their job.

My Mom is right -- grown-ups don't always get it right!