The boldness of the Fayette County Board of Education is exceeded only by their ability to foolishly spend money. There seems to be no end. Now it is a retreat to determine where the board wants to go in five to 10 years.

Interestingly enough, a prudent rational person would conclude that direction should have been established prior to seeking a $90 million tax referendum. Was direction not established prior to deciding on a referendum or was that a ploy on the part of the board to procure more money? Their appetite for spending is unsurpassed.

Within the past few years the board has procured a bond referendum of $58 million. They overspent the budget and never completed the assigned projects. Then just over a year ago, the board asked the citizens to approve a SPLOST to give them more money. The cost alone for that election was estimated between $35 and $40 thousand. The SPLOST was defeated, but the few thousands of dollars was wasted.

Next, the board hired a consultant (headhunter if you like) to find a new superintendent. None of the work done by the consultant bore fruit. None of the persons selected for the job by the consultant were interviewed. It seems that the direction was already determined then, too. And, yes, more money was wasted. But wait, there is another SPLOST vote on the horizon and another $35 to $40 thousand down the drain.

Now it seems that the board needs a retreat. They have hired a facilitator and they have procured hotel accommodations to achieve that purpose. Again more money is being spent out of the record budget recently approved. This, my friends, is money that could go toward educating our young people. Somehow the board cannot find money within its budget to make needed repairs in the schools. Or they don't have funds to finish the South Complex. Or they can't improve security within the schools for lack of money without a SPLOST. It is not at all clear why they have money for a retreat!

When Starr's Mill High School football team returned from camp, the players donned t-shirts that were lettered with three words — consistency confirms commitment. Our board of education could learn from this slogan. Thus far it has not been consistent in anything except spending money. I see no consistency in computer technology through the system, no consistency in completing the promised construction, no consistency in improvement in test scores, and no consistency in planning.

Even the deterioration of the facilities that already exist leads one to believe that there is no consistency in method or intent to protect the taxpayers' investment. If the current facilities cannot be maintained properly with existing budget, how pray tell can additional facilities be maintained without significantly increasing the budget? Where is the consistency?

The feeble slogan, “Support Education, vote Yes,” or, “Our Kids Matter,” that will be paraded before the taxpayers to browbeat them into passing the SPLOST makes me want to send money to feed the starving babies in Biafra.

To truly do something for the children, let's show them consistency and commitment. Let's show them fiscal responsibility. Let's demonstrate that money will not solve the world's problems, nor will it solve those of the board of education. Let's show them that we are smart enough to make things better without breaking the bank. And let us provide a quality education of the highest magnitude, that positions them for the market place and colleges of tomorrow by consistently improving the quality of the classes, the course selection, and the standards expected of them.

I would be ashamed to tell my children that the money that was squandered on a retreat was more wisely spent than providing a quality appearance for the school. I would be ashamed to tell my children that the money spent for elections and SPLOSTs was more important than having access to computer technology. And, I would be ashamed to tell my children that our board of education could not live up to its commitment and fulfill its existing promises. If you think about it, you would be ashamed, too.

Recently, I attended a meeting where the qualities of the superintendent were extolled. It was indicated that we should trust in his guidance because he has integrity. I am always suspect when someone tells me about a quality that should be obvious. But integrity, like consistency, must be demonstrated. Once it is present, no one needs to emphasize that fact. It is obvious.

For the superintendent and the board, earn respect and demonstrate integrity by consistent, stable behavior that fulfills promises and obligations. When that occurs, we, the taxpayers, will measure the level of integrity through your consistency and commitment to detail. Consistency does confirm commitment. And, that establishes integrity and respect.

I think it is time that we receive commitment from our board, not loose words. It is time to improve the education by example, not fiscal irresponsibility. It is time the young people understand that planning before the fact leads to responsible decisions that are consistent. And, that confirms commitment. This valuable lesson doesn't cost a dime.

William H. Moon

Fayetteville

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