Educators, citizens offer ideas to close funding gap
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Educators and citizens in attendance at the county commission meeting Tuesday suggested a variety of solutions to help close some of the $2.2 million funding gap that the Garrett County Board of Education is facing.
Mike Robison, a concerned citizen, suggested that the commissioners commit to $2.2 million for the next three years until the wealth formula changes.
“I believe in my heart that the $2.2 million will stop it (school closures) and I believe if not then we can hold the board accountable to that. If it (wealth formula) doesn’t change, then we close schools,” said Robison. “I’d like you to stand up and say either we have the money or don’t have the money.”
Robison said that he would like the commissioners to commit to doing whatever it takes to keep the schools open.
Both Superintendent of Schools Janet Wilson and board president Cynthia Downton agreed that closing schools isn’t pleasant but that it needs to be done. Last year, Dennett Road and Kitzmiller elementary schools closed as a cost-cutting measure.
Posted on 11/21/2013 in garrett county commissioners, school funding
