School Daze
Posted: Monday, August 23, 2010
by Grace O'Malley
There is a trend the past couple of years to find ways to save money where we did not have to before. With the economy being what it is, all of us have felt the crunch.
School has either just begun or will begin shortly around the country. Parents everywhere are putting out money to make sure their children have the proper supplies and clothing needed for the fall semester. Sounds of "ouch" echo through the stores as one wallet after another is removed from pockets and purses across the land.
The biggest ouch may be coming from Los Angeles.
Next month the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools will open its $578 million K-12 complex doors to its 4200 students. Yes, $578,000,000.00. That double take you just did may cause whiplash so please, be careful.
Housed on the site of the former Ambassador Hotel where RFK was assassinated, the complex is complete with fine art murals, a manicured public park, state-of-the-art swimming pool, preserved parts of the former hotel and a marble memorial to the late Senator. I'm sure the children who have had their programs cut and the 3,000 teachers who have been laid off in the Los Angeles Unified School District appreciate these little amenities.
What does it matter that the school district itself is facing a $640 million operating shortfall this year. Bilking, I mean billing the taxpayers $137,619 per student to build this architectural wonder with plush amenities should not be seen as abhorrent. It is best to remember that this monstrosity, I mean monster, was approved years ago when fat-cat spending was the norm.
Some people are appalled that this complex was built the way it was. I say kudos to the LA Unified School District. I am quite sure the deluxe accommodations will help decrease that 50% dropout rate. That really impressive environment for learning is bound to decrease your standings as being one of the lowest performing districts in the nation too.
Then again, what do I know? I am simply a mere parent and taxpayer trying to find unique and cost effective ways to keep my family housed, clothed and fed this coming winter.
I wonder if the complex has room for four more.
School has either just begun or will begin shortly around the country. Parents everywhere are putting out money to make sure their children have the proper supplies and clothing needed for the fall semester. Sounds of "ouch" echo through the stores as one wallet after another is removed from pockets and purses across the land.
Next month the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools will open its $578 million K-12 complex doors to its 4200 students. Yes, $578,000,000.00. That double take you just did may cause whiplash so please, be careful.
Housed on the site of the former Ambassador Hotel where RFK was assassinated, the complex is complete with fine art murals, a manicured public park, state-of-the-art swimming pool, preserved parts of the former hotel and a marble memorial to the late Senator. I'm sure the children who have had their programs cut and the 3,000 teachers who have been laid off in the Los Angeles Unified School District appreciate these little amenities.
What does it matter that the school district itself is facing a $640 million operating shortfall this year. Bilking, I mean billing the taxpayers $137,619 per student to build this architectural wonder with plush amenities should not be seen as abhorrent. It is best to remember that this monstrosity, I mean monster, was approved years ago when fat-cat spending was the norm.
Some people are appalled that this complex was built the way it was. I say kudos to the LA Unified School District. I am quite sure the deluxe accommodations will help decrease that 50% dropout rate. That really impressive environment for learning is bound to decrease your standings as being one of the lowest performing districts in the nation too.
Then again, what do I know? I am simply a mere parent and taxpayer trying to find unique and cost effective ways to keep my family housed, clothed and fed this coming winter.
I wonder if the complex has room for four more.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)I think sometimes sarcasm is the very best form of wit.hehe, me too Jennifer
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