Education

Friday's education rally at Orange Park High School may have been a disappointment to people on a couple of levels. first of all the weather didn't cooperate, forcing the event to end before the two primary speakers,Ben Wortham and Michael Priser, could complete their comments.
But the turnout for such a well-publicized event was only a few hundred people -- nearly all of the CCEA members. If there were non-teaching parents among the crowd they were few and far between. That has to disappoint those calling for an "uprising" in the county over state education spending cuts.
Legislators won't take much notice if that's all the county can muster in discontent.
While Friday afternoon left many parents unable to attend because of work, the district's teachers were on an in-service day and could have been there.
It begs the question: How much angst really exists out there over this issue? Maybe not as much as those closest to it think.

Thanks to the folks who have taken the time to post their comments!
At a time like this we need all the opportunities available to express our opinions, if for no other reason than it lets us let off some steam.
But in this case the writers had some very good ideas and are passionate about their concern for Clay County education.
FYI, watch for another education rally March 27 at Orange Park High School. This one is sponsored by the Clay County Education Association, the union that represents Clay County teachers.
I'm still waiting hear the exact times, speakers, etc.

What a great turnout for Saturday's rally in Orange Park on behalf of education and Clay County teachers who coul be losing their jobs due to budget cutbacks.
Hundreds of people lined the street at Blanding and Kingsley Avenue to wave at cars and show signs uring the public to get behind increased education funding from the state legislature.
Were you there? If so, share your thoughts about this unique event.

Watch for several events in Clay County to support teachers and to urge state legislators to put more funding into education.
One rally is set for 10 a.m. to noon SAturday, March 7, at the corner of Kingsley Avenue and Blanding Boulevard. Participants are urged to wear red and brings signs showing their support.
But more are planning, including a rally at the state capital later this month.

The March 2 workshop planned by the Clay County School Board is an important one for anyone with children in public schools.
No only will the board be making some difficult decisions about its 2009-10 budget -- including where to find $43 million to cut -- but there may also be discussions about how to address the state Legislature about falling state funding for education.
Possible cuts on the table in Clay County include rolling back salaries of teachers, administrators and School Board and even go so far as to eliminate all junior high and high school sports.
The district's financial situation, like those of all Florida schools right now, is dire and its forcing major changes by the district to survive.
The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the Teacher Training Center at Fleming Island High School.