But instead, the WHTA goes out of it’s way to blame people and to vilify the teachers union and the town employees. Comparative data, like in Mr. Sisk’s presentation, would be much more helpful (compare teacher’s salaries, compare administrative salaries, garbage costs, how much goes into maintenance of parks, etc.).

Anyway, I guess I’m rambling. I, too, see both sides, but full page ads with misleading information will turn me off any day. Hope we can avoid that this year.

The school system is very important and I believe, a major driver for people moving into, and staying in, West Hartford, and, hence, a significant factor in maintaining property values. Teachers do need to be paid well and valued for the work they provide and I think it is too easy a target for people to attack their salaries and benefits. (Disclaimer: my mother has been an elementary school teacher for 25+ years in VT, so I’ve actually seen all of the work that goes on when she’s not actually at school)

I, too, need to sit down and look at the budget more carefully to truly understand what could be cut, and what other revenue generating opportunities exist. Kyle and I would be hapy to go out with you and Heidi for drinks to discuss!

What I really found interesting about Mr. Sisk’s analysis was that it was based on historical data and took a corporate view. He was not aligned with either WH First or the WHTA, he just did an independent analysis and came to a conclusion, with recommendations. And maybe the Council has actually done this analysis on it’s own and just not published it. There are several with corporate backgrounds on the Council and I’m sure Jim Francis does forecasting. Who really know what goes on behind closed doors.

One other thing that must be remembered, all of the time and work performed by the Council and the School Board members is voluntary. Hats off to them. I have no idea how they balance their schedules. Could the people lobbying for and against really do a better job?

My reaction to all of this stuff is that there’s too much noise and not enough signal emanating from the debate and the coverage. I vowed last year to spend more time paying attention this year, but the startup thing hasn’t given me time.

Would love to hear what you think should happen to the budget (what should get cut, how can they manage the costs). If you’re not willing to go into it on the blog (understandable), Heidi and I would love to grab a drink with you and your husband whenever.

The presentation above from Mr. Sisk was interesting and had some good info.

It’s weird. I’m surprised by the 7% increase and concerned about it, but I also get turned off by the WHTA ripping the teachers union and begrudging them their salaries. That can’t be the only cost going up, and Sisk’s presentation indicates some items that don’t get mentioned much.