My guest is Kathryn Haines, Chesterfield County (Virginia) School Board. We have an in-depth conversation about the board’s decision to start the school year virtually for all students (including special needs). We compare private to public schools, teacher compensation and safety, social distancing requirements, and the difference in neighboring counties choosing to open. She describes the various government entities involved in the decision and plans and how each needs to work together for opening. We also talk about the near and short term plans and consequences of having to navigate school during COVID.
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I sat on the Board of a small local private school. None of those teachers made a salary close to public school teachers nor did they have a comparable fringe benefit package. Teachers work 9 months out of the year and (public school teachers) make as much as many parents make for a 12 month service period before including fringe benefits. The issue is not with pay, but with requiring teachers to fulfill roles well beyond teaching. Parents need to parent to include providing for the health, welfare and tangible needs of their children, teachers need to teach.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for listening and commenting. For the reasons you mentioned, that is why I have opted for private school for my son. To your point, in regards to pay, my wife stated her nurses have a similar perspective.
I’m hoping to do a follow-up episode from the private school perspective – given the background you mention, would you or someone you know be willing to guest to represent the private school experience?