School Tax: Balancing the Need and the Burden
In this article: school tax, millage rate, proposed senior citizen tax exemptions, and why your property taxes are so high.
The Grass is NOT Greener on the Other Side: A Word for Local Graduates
The grass is NOT greener on the other side; the grass is greener where there’s chicken manure. In other words, your crop yield is based on your effort and ingenuity. Breaking up the earth is time-consuming difficult work. Spreading fertilizer is messy and it stinks! Keeping natural obstacles like animals and weeds out of the field takes diligence and careful attention. And a little favor from God always helps. You don’t have to go looking for a greener pasture somewhere distant from your hometown. If you want a green pasture: work the soil; plant the seeds; spread the manure; pull the weeds; and pray for rain.
A Thank You to Superintendent Fuhrey
We have led through trying economic times, education disruptions during a global pandemic, and we’ve grieved the tragic loss of faculty, students, and even one of our own board members, our friend and mentor Almond Turner. So, we’ve been through a lot of highs and lows, calm seas and stormy weather, and you have been a steady captain of this ship and crew.
Senior Homestead Exemption on the BOE Agenda
As I said at the meeting, this situation is unsatisfactory to me. I am a fiscal conservative, but I also believe that if we only look at the absolute “certain” data, then we will never move the needle. There must be a small risk we are willing to take to relieve the tax burden on our Senior Citizens without endangering the quality of education for our kids.
Fall Break: a Good Time for Some Good News
A long overdue update: Fall Break, good beginnings, the new cell phone policy, Graduation rates, Eastside High School dedication & costs, and the Newton County Teachers of the Year!!!
Overwhelmed by Support
The unseen roots of the tree are what offer the support and strength needed in times of uncertainty. YOU have overwhelmed me with the support and strength you are providing as this campaign kicks off. YOU are the root system needed as we grow…
Interview: The Warrior Podcast with Matt Keller
I had the great pleasure of engaging in conversation with my friend, Matt Keller on The Warrior Podcast. During this episode, we talk about my time in the 90s alt-rock band, Rocketboy, my early life growing up in Georgia, the state of the church, as well as current issues being faced in our public schools.
A Millage Decrease is Still a Tax Increase
During the last three weeks, the Board of Education has met publicly three times to hear the Superintendent’s recommendation for setting the 2022 millage rate at 16.788 mills, thus “raising taxes” while actually lowering the tax rate. You can’t beat the dang tax man!!!
Don’t Dip Into Your Savings Account During a Recession
BUT, in our meeting Tuesday, I warned that you don’t dip into your savings account during a recession. Yes, we have a healthy ending fund balance. But with the nation heading into a recession, now is NOT the time to dip into that savings account.
Gwinnett Teacher of the Year Resigns Stating 3 Major Problems in Schools
Allen gives three big problems in public school:
student apathy and disrespect for school rules/norms
mobile phone usage
a disconnect between administration and the classroom.
An Open Door is not Always a “Good Opportunity”
I believe a K-8th grade Performing & Liberal Arts Academy is an initiative you endeavor when you’ve taken care of the basics in all of your schools and have a few extra dollars in your account because you’ve trimmed expenses in other areas.
If You Only Have $20, You Can’t Spend $30
I believe we need to pay our teachers top-dollar. And if that means we need to scale down our program offerings to the essentials of teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic…then that’s what I’ll advocate for. I believe classroom management and discipline issues are MUCH more important than most of the new programs we are looking at funding. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I believe we need to get back to the basics and spend our money on the people who are teaching and managing these kids in the classroom.
Bailey to Seek Reelection to Newton County BOE District 1 Seat
Cut me and I bleed ‘Newton County’…in our school system we aren’t where we want to be yet, but we are ready for the challenge. I feel like there is much work to be done.