Wake County Superintendent Tony Tata reiterated his tough talk today about the need to avoid making deep state K-12 education funding cuts.
During today's press conference, Tata said he has spoken with a number of state legislators including state House Speaker Thom Tillis. He said he warned against making the "draconian cuts" that would come from the state House's proposed 8.8 percent cut and the state Senate's possible 10 percent cut.
"I am delivering the message that 8.8 percent is too much," Tata said. "It’s my desire that they listen to me as leader of the state’s largest school district.”
Tata is still hoping to get only the 5 percent state cut that he's factored for in the school budget. He said the 8.8 percent state House cut is at the "extreme right edge of my negotiations."
He also reiterated his statement from last week that the state House budget could cost 1,000 positions in Wake.
Comments
Extreme right edge
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 19:33 — Solon77He said the 8.8 percent state House cut is at the "extreme right edge of my negotiations."
Didn't know he had any negotiation leverage. Nevertheless 8.8% is at the edge but not over. The GA could say - ok 8.8% see what nice guys we are not pushing over the edge, you can thank us later.
Ok John T.
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 11:56 — WhalerCaneAre you going to step up and support Super Tata and tell Tea Party crowd, and your legislators including Skip Stam that this House budget cuts too much from education? If not, we will know for sure that currying partisan favor is more important to you than educating our children.
You wish to be a hero, here is a chance. I will happily praise you if you do.
I doubt John gives a rats arse
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 22:51 — FSandYOUwhether you praise him or spit on him. And just so I'm clear, how does one curry?
how does one curry?
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 23:53 — WhalerCaneThat is pretty obvious. Start with sticking ones' nose where the sun doesnt' shine to gain approval.
I bet he does.
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 23:51 — WhalerCaneBecause despite are differnces, I believe John does care.
Who knew that liquor and a Clay Aiken CD
Sat, 05/14/2011 - 22:26 — FSandYOUcould bring people together.
Hey I'm down with
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 14:14 — shearertwHey I'm down with that....let's go a step further and not cut anything from education. Now, that we've settled that, where exactly in the budget do you liberals prefer to take that 8.8% from? It's gotta come from somewhere....How 'bout we eliminate all services to low income or unemployed people? How 'bout we eliminate services to senior citizens? How 'bout we require all children attending public schools and their parent prove they are citizens of the US? That might be your 8.8% right there.
So....
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 15:28 — Bob_SconceSupreme court says you can't do the last part, even if you extend it to "citizens or aliens living here legally."
Perry's response is going to be to keep the 1% "temporary" sales tax.
I don't think you need to do that. You can cut UNC system funding (start with the UNC Center for Civil Rights), Dept. of Agriculture and a few other places. Another one: canning the railroad improvements between Raleigh and Charlotte -- the federal grant doesn't cover the entire project. Cut the never-ending boondoggle of the Global Transpark. That may not get the entire 8.8%, but should get you to 5%.
You are right Bob
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 23:58 — WhalerCaneI do advocate extending temporary sales tax. As to canning Railroad improvements between Raleigh and Charlotte, that will not solve the problem one bit, but will cost jobs.
Improvements to our rail lines have far more to do with maitenence of 100 year old infrastructure than high speed rail. Improving the corridor between greensboro and charlotte is crucial to our economic success regardless of potential high speed rail. As well, the obvious is that is federal money, and killing it will not add one penny to our state budget.
I would buy into cutting GTP, but that would be just a fraction of what they are cutting from public education.
So...
Sat, 05/14/2011 - 08:12 — Bob_SconceAs to the railroad improvements, I agree that there's no budget impact next year. But, NC is liable for cost overruns (and there will be cost overruns) as well as a portion of the increased operating expenses. It's not free. As to the jobs, that's very Keynsian of you. But, spending a lot of money to build something that very few people will use is an economic waste, not an economic benefit.
I agree that GTP funding is a drop in the bucket.
An easy cut of $72K would be to eliminate Deb Prickett's DPI job
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 20:42 — IDoverHer salary at DPI could easily fund 3 Teacher Assts. or 1.5 teachers. Preserving education jobs with direct impact on students should be first and foremost. Eliminating fluff jobs that do nothing for the students of NC should be the first ones cut.
I agree.
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 23:59 — WhalerCaneUntill Tedesco and Malone call for Pricket's resignation, they are little more than hypocrits.
As you know, the SC isn't
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 16:20 — shearertwAs you know, the SC isn't always right...
But, considering that is the world we must operate in, I can't disagree with any of your other suggested cuts.
P.S. Hopefully you realized I wasn't serious about any of the things I listed, from a practical stand point any way.
The whole rail...
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 16:17 — bpuli9999thing is a boondoggle. No one will ever use it. Yet we continue to pour money down the drain. Let the market decide what the most efficient mode of transportation is. If rail is so great, why are none of the rail companies investing any money in it?
Also, the state should get out of the beach insurance - that alone would save a bunch of money.