It’s been forever since I’ve blogged about the debacle known as the Romeo School Board. Since I’m not a homeowner, resident, or parent of kids in the district I really don’t care all that much about what is going on.
But this news raised my eyebrow:
Recall efforts may proceed against three Romeo school board members, but two others were granted reprieves Friday by the Macomb County Election Commission. story link
What is going on is classically simple. Unions, who have completely bankrupted the district, are upset there there simply isn’t more money to steal from the children of the district. In 2006, they even forced a bond on the community to cover up to 103% of the budget so their employees could get guaranteed raises dispite diving home values, diving tax revenue, and diving test scores across the district.
Three individuals stood up to the unions and did their best to balance the budget. Yes, this involved letting some union employees go and hiring non-union contractors.
And now unions are leading a recall effort.
The joy of being a reformer is that you will be called a heretic. Hopefully, the people of Romeo will stand up and not see these three reformers burned at the stake.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Detroit Mayor Bing said it best (and I am paraphrasing): It was his job to make decisions that were for the betterment of the city and its citizens – NOT the unions.
Stobak, White and Jacobsen have had to make some tough decisions keeping the best interests of the children at the forefront.
Perhaps Davis, Murray, Hier and the unions (especially thte teacher union) should operate under this statement: It is the board’s job to make decisions that are for the betterment of the district and its students – NOT THE UNIONS.
@cheryl- I said this more than a year ago. The whole board should be recalled! Not for their positions, but for their inability to simple sit at the table and do the job they were elected to do. I happen to agree with the reformers and personally think they need to go further than they could dream possible.
But without a single leader capable of bringing people to the table, they are just wasting the districts time.
I want to see a leader come out, union or non-union, who can bring the positions to the table, make decisions, and move the district forward. Until then… it’s business as usual.