So, what's the scoop with the budget?

The AJC is reporting that Governor Perdue plans further cuts to the state budget which will definitely effect our schools and teachers. To quote, "Gov. Sonny Perdue just released his budget proposals for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the 12 months starting July 1. The headline: pain.Public K-12 education faces an additional 3 percent cut in the current fiscal 2010 budget, while most all other state agencies must find 8 to 9 percent to cut before June 30. All state employees, including teachers, must take three furlough days before June 30."

As Greenie pointed out, the $56 million budget cut to DeKalb schools that we already know about is the amount the state is cutting from the annual allocation. Added to more than $100 million already cut in past 2-3 years. Local taxes will also be lost based on devaluation of property.the school tax portion of the property tax bill is separate from the "county operations" part of the bill for which Ellis wants to increase the mil rate.

School board does not anticipate increasing the mil rate on the school tax part of property bills (which is approximately 70% of your total property tax bill) so, DCSS WILL have another budget cut as well - related to whatever decrease occurs due to lower property values.

Add to this, Governor Perdue's plan to implement merit pay for teachers by 2014 and we seem to be relatively uncertain as to the future of our schools and our ability to attract and retain quality teachers.

The Governor's Plan for Merit Pay

In order to compete for some of the Race to the Top federal education dollars, Governor Perdue has developed a plan to "develop, compensate and retain quality teachers". He is proposing legislation introducing a compensation system that encompasses a statewide teacher evaluation tool that determines a teacher's effectiveness by evaluating "observation of planning and instruction and the degree to which teachers help students grow academically." Perdue's legislation will "enhance the current salary structure by adding a performance-based compensation system for all new teachers and for existing teachers who choose this option." These initiatives will go into effect in 2014. Teachers have apparently been very involved in developing this program and Perdue hopes that this plan will not only bring RTTT dollars to the state, but will focus on student achievement.

Click on the photo of the letter from Perdue to see a large version.