Midd.'s Preschool Program

From the Journal...

Butler County ESC to run Middletown preschool program

MIDDLETOWN — The Butler County Educational Service Center will run Middletown’s preschool program next year as the district continues to search for ways to alleviate costs

Wendy Folino, preschool coordinator for Middletown schools, said if not hired by BCESC, her educators will still serve with the district in some capacity.

“No one will be losing their jobs,” she said. “They will still be teachers within our district.”

Still, those educators may bump others with less seniority, Rasmussen said.

Now, wait a minute....Folino says no one will be losing their job...they will still be teachers in our district. Rasmussen says some educators may bump others with less seniority. Someone is going to lose their job Folino. Which is it...can't be both. Furthermore, is there a need for Folino's job as "preschool coordinator" since Butler County is taking over this program? With each Journal article, there seems to be mentioned another "hidden" position within the Midd. district that isn't on the normal radar. Here is an opportunity to provide more cuts in personnel Ms. Andrew. I suspect the school district is still a little "bloated" with multi-layer positions.

Vet, there is no inconsistency. Folino was asked about the teachers she supervises -- the preschool teachers -- and answered, truthfully, that none of them would be out of a job even though the preschool positions were being transferred to the ESC. They can apply for the job with the ESC, or, since they are all certified to teach preK through grade 3, they can bump a teacher with less seniority in one of those grades, as the Superintendent mentioned.  Whether or not that "bumped" teacher ends up without a job depends on how many teachers take the early retirement option offered by the board.  We will reduce the number of teachers as a result of Verity/Highview moves, but if enough retirements occur, there will be no need to RIF teachers. 

Speaking of transportation and buses, Ms. Andrew, the bus number is 51. Around 4:30PM each evening when I cut through the Oaks on my way home, I notice that this bus is providing door to door service to the Oaks people and to a family on Rachel Lane a few houses down from me. We discussed this once before and I still have questions on why not a common designated bus stop as in past years? Just seems as if the buses are being used as a private taxi service rather than in typical bus fashion. Curious as to why it could be construed as a "limo service" arraignment?

Middletown Scouter,

Marcia Andrew wrote: Vet, I already addressed your questions about the bus routes and reasons why some busses might stop directly at a house versus a street corner, in another thread.  I don't have anything more to say on the subject.

You are correct Ms. Andrew. No further discussion is needed.