WoodyWayne, (11/28/2009 9:42:45 AM)

Working to reduce waste in Education should be a priority, and I believe the following example is a way to accomplish that and improve our local economy. Please read below and remember that TPS is probably the 2nd largest employer in Tulsa ..........

Consolidating public schools should be the first step taken to reduce waste in Education. Then, we should assist Education Employees with the cost of their health insurance. This would be a tremendous step in eliminating redundant administrative costs, and stimulating the economy.

When small school districts retire or terminate a superintendent, we should try to consolidate those schools with another district to cut administrative costs statewide. For instance, now would be a good time to consider consolidating Sperry Public Schools with one of the large surrounding public schools. There is no reason to pay another Superintendent to oversee such a small school district, and pay for the additional Administration. The school could still have its identity, keep its same school mascot, but be administered by another Educational Service Center.

The next step should be to provide a better benefit package to Education Employees. Most people don't realize that a teacher must pay 3 times more for their family's exact same insurance, than the secretary working in Sandy Garrett's office at the Dept of Education. That is about $1000 dollars out of the teacher's take home pay, or you could say about a $1000 more in the OKC secretary's pay, and more money spent in OKC. (Notice how OKC area is not having the problem with sales tax revenue. That is because there are many state agency jobs in the OKC area, and those employees don't have an extra $600 to $1000 taken out of their pay for the identical benefits given to Education Employees.)

Just think about the fact that public schools are typically one of the largest employers in their cities and towns, and for that reason this is even more important in eastern Oklahoma, as we don't have the many state agency jobs. Reducing the cost of Education Employees health coverage would give them more money to spend locally, increase sales tax and state income tax.

If we would work on these suggestions, we will stimulate the economy, improve the quality of life for Oklahomans, and reduced wasteful spending in Education. Wow, this just makes too much sense!

I hope Citizens will get organized and help others to understand how this benefits the entire state!