As a public school teacher, I am outraged!

Recently the school superintendent proposed raising the pay of Fayette County principals by as much as $10,000 a year. Unbelievable!

Just a year ago, administrators received substantial pay raises. This was accomplished by supposedly increasing the number of days principals work; in realty, the actual amount of time principals work increased little. Although the number of contract days increased, principals were also given as much as three additional weeks of paid vacation.

Our county is well known for having one of the lowest teacher pay scales in the metro area. However, our school leadership seems to be concerned about increasing pay for administrators and not for teachers.

The increased administrator pay caused much uproar among teachers last year and had a very demoralizing effect.

For example, it was a matter of much questioning and concern at the county-level Communications Committee meetings (a committee consisting of a representative from each school in the county).

Since principals control our room assignments, our teaching schedules, and a variety of other items, it is very difficult for us to express our opinion publicly about the matter. In addition, there was basically an unwritten agreement among teachers last year that we would say little because of the impending SPLOST vote in the fall. We did not feel that the school district needed any more negative publicity.

Now more pay increases are proposed. Particularly disheartening is the fact that the last pay increase for principals and the presently proposed one have both been discussed in the summers (while school is not in session, while many are vacationing, while many are not watching what is happening)

Fayette County schools have a tremendous record of academic achievement. However, our ability to attract and keep superior teachers is seriously threatened. It is not just salaries, it is the misplaced priorities of school leaders that is a concern to local teachers.

This county desperately needs funds for adding additional classrooms, upgrading technology, and for a variety of other items that will improve instruction. All of this is jeopardized when school leaders make poor decisions and promote indefensible ideas.

Frankly, upon examining recent actions, one does not have to wonder why the citizens of this county have twice defeated SPLOST.

Name Withheld by Request

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