I have been reading some discussions on the local blogs and forums concerning the GCCS School Board and their decisions. Some have been favorable, others, not so favorable. Lately, the discussion has been about the budget, cutting expenses, unnecessary trips, etc. Although I believe some of the comments have some merit, I feel that some venues make it impossible for the public to hear both sides.
I honestly wanted to hear from someone on the Board and get their take on where the Board stands on certain issues. I emailed Mark Pavey, which everyone obviously knows he is my brother-in-law and asked him if he would mind dicussing some of these issues. Here is Mark's response:
Lisa,
I'm not sure representing the School Board's side is really necessary. We were elected to represent the public and our decisions will always be scrutinized by some element of the public. The reality is we have a 4M deficit and there are going to be some really difficult decisions before the Board in the coming months. As you can imagine, there will be many special interest groups emailing, calling and lobbying us to not cut their individual interests. There will also be many resident experts on blogs and in the media second guessing our choices. Unfortunately that just goes with the territory and is part of being a public official. I understand and accept this responsibility.
While I welcome feedback (positive or negative), at the end of the day those decisions come down to seven people entrusted by the public and the Department of Education to do what's best for our students and employees. I don't take that responsibility lightly and will continue to question and seek to understand all the facts before making decisions. The important point to remember is the Board usually has information the general public does not and therefore may make decisions which will be questioned. Many times the information is confidential and should not be discussed.
Concerning the budget situation, at the last Board meeting we asked the CFO to pretend the state asked for 10M in cuts and begin to formulate what would be cut if this scenario actually happened. This forces the administration to put some choices on the table we would not have seen if the cuts were for the 4M we actually have to find. Since we have not yet received the information, I can't comment on what those may be even though there are already lots of rumors and speculation. Contrary to what is being written, the Board has not made any decisions about cuts other than authorizing the CFO to explore the cost savings for outsourcing custodians. In my opinion, there is nothing off the table including admin cuts, benefits, selling buildings we no longer occupy and coaches salaries to name a few. It should make for an interesting next few months.
I hope that helps.
Mark
p.s. Mark, thank you for taking the time to respond to my email so quickly.
13 comments:
That is why the people voted for you Mark you pull no punches. I like what you and the rest of the school board have done so far and looking forward to the future of the GCCS system for once!
Mr. Pavey, may I ask how GCCS ever got a 4m deficit? Did this just occur and what has caused it? Did it have anything to do with the JHS renovations?
Parent
Im not going to lie AN, I have heard some kind of bad stuff about your blog. I come on here to see for myself and have to say was very impressed. You have some great post that I agree with, some I don't agree with but overall I have to say good stuff! People are missing out but their lost right!
I noticed you have made these same allegations about Amy on CLH's blog. Now, I am challenging you to provide proof of these charges. You email the proof of all the things you have posted here and on CLH's blog and I promise to copy and post them. I will be waiting.
Lisa,
Some questions for the Galligan camp. Perhaps you can forward them to YMC.
Long time reader and first time poster. I have many concerns with Galligan and many questions for Moore. If anyone could take the time to answer some of them that would be greatly appreciated.
Galligan
1. How can the people of Jeffersonville expect you to make changes for the better when you WOULDN'T remove Larry or Harry Wilder when they made a mockery of Jeffersonville. I'm a firm believer of 2nd and 3rd chances but Harry Wilder has 0 business running the shelter. I saw him at the New Albany Country Club auction during shelter hours buying equipment for his ice cream shop. I also find it odd that he found the money to expand and grow his business while getting paid by the taxpayers of this city! Larry Wilder showed bad judgement and if he had any integrity he would have resigned. Why would he when the mayor sweeps it all under the rug!
2. I have spent many months in San Antonio on business and really enjoy their river walk. Hotels, shops, a mall, bars, and restaurants make this a vibrant and happening place. This place is supported by a city and state many times larger than Jeff, IN, and KY. It has a large military base close by, a major sports franchise, and many many more attractions. How can a city the size of Jeff support the canal? What hotels, restaurants, bars, and major companies have you secured to make the move if it is built? Seems to me like that would be the first step. Find out who is willing to come and then build it.
3. Why is it that the cities insurance program is now being handled by a company owned out of Florida? For one their is no Maverick insurance any longer. Neace Lukens absorbed it when it was purchased by Assured partners. I really enjoy my tax dollars being sent to a company based in Florida. Plus the fact that your hand picked agent spends more time at the bar than helping you become a better risk is mind boggling how you continue to do business with him. BTW, I have heard the grumblings of the people who now have to deal with his daughter.
4. I really don't understand how a city in the economic situation that Jeff is in can continue to incur more debt. New leased vehicles, new ipads, new cell phones, new shirts, dinners, and everything else you make us pay for! I wouldn't be surprised if the city picked up some of your sons wedding a few weeks back!
5. Lastly, how is it your campaign manager can start a fight at a bar and after 8 to 10 drinks get followed home by a Jeff cop? I was there that night and the bartender told me he had more than 8 drinks. He bragged about calling the Police Chief and then a Jeff cop showed up and followed him home. Wow that shows a great deal of respect for the badge and for the people of this community.
I would like to know why you deserve my vote. So I know TG won't respond but could some of his cronies?
Hey Abby's Nanners,
What's this news that will be released on 6 p.m. Saturday? Seems late for the news cycle. Here's a story to keep your eyes open for: Galligan's hired gun Mike Marshall is the subject of a grand jury investigation in Jennings County as I write this. Why is Marshall being investigated? Glad you asked. Voter Fraud. Absentee ballot misdeeds. Enjoy. Think I'll share this with the Courier-Journal.
Go for it there buddy!! You have to wait for Saturday like the rest of the bunch. :)
Ha! I'm not supporting any of those clowns running for mayor Jeff. Just posting this stuff because I don't like cheaters.
Me either! I don't like cheaters, liars, perverts, child molesters, criminals, dead-beat dads, did I mention perverted fathers who are child molesters?? See, we both have something in common. :)
You seem to like Gilligan and he's a big cheater. Don't ask me for facts, that's just an opinion based on something I read elsewhere. Isn't that how it works Nanners? Same with the stuff about Amy and the 911 call. My opinion. Same with outing the two Humana guys. My opinion. Prove to me that I'm wrong about those opinions. I welcome it actually. Now the talk about Bob Isgrigg making the 1,000 copies in his office? That's cold hard fact and I'll out my source shortly. You and Amy seem to be getting along nicely with Mary Marconi. Good, good.
Duh, you are Mary are very close also, very very close...lol. Hey, tell you what, I don't have to prove anything to you unless I know exactly who you are. When you can reveal your true identity to me, we will talk. Fair enough?
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