Interviewed teacher: Mr. Skelton, and Principal: Mr. Voskul
1) How is the school budget determined?
Mr. V: Set by the school board based on a per student allocation for each of the areas textbooks materials of instruction student activities copier costs paper and so on
Mr. S: I would add that the needs of each individual school is taken into account. For example, a school that is deemed “less than proficient” in some area – I’ll use math as my example – may receive extra funds to support their efforts to instruct their students appropriately. My wife worked at a school that received extra budget money to support the school’s effort to provide basic necessities to students in an effort to create a culture where learning (not survival) is a priority: breakfast program, after-school tutoring, etc.
2) What percent is public tax, federal, and state?
Mr. V: Needs to look at the county and system budget I do not have that info
3) What is the average income for teachers in Harford County?
Mr. V: I do not have this info I believe it is around 50,000 she can get online and find the pay scale
Mr. S: Here is the site that contains teacher pay scales in Harford County. Note that as a Teacher in my 13th year, with an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) I am paid $60,459. Once I finish my Master’s Degree (two classes left!) my pay will be bumped up to $62,275. Also consider that teachers are paid stipends for extra-curricular involvement (coaching, for example, pays me an additional $3,000 per season before taxes).
4) How much of your own money goes towards classroom necessities?
Mr. S: I spend quite a bit over the course of a school year. Never too much at one time, but it certainly adds up. Posters, supplies such as tape, pens and pencils for my personal use, chalk, tissues, candy for prizes. Most of the expenses are tax deductible, but I’ve never written anything off on my taxes…it’s just too tedious. I consider these expenses a part of the job.
5) How much funding is each department given: Art, Music, Athletics, Special Education, Gifted and Talented, Etc.?
Mr. V: The principal determines this based on what I judge are the needs of each department. Athletics is funded separately based on enrollment and gate receipts.
6) Do you feel Bel Air High School is granted a suffient amount of money in order to be successful?
Mr. V: Yes
7) If someone were to hand you a blank check to Bel Air High School, how much would you make it out for and what would you put it towards?
Mr. S: I’m not sure what the dollar amount would be, but I would love to provide our school’s community with more clubs that involve students who aren’t drawn to athletics. It seems to me our school has a “place” for athletes and those that are academically inclined, but what about a cooking class? Chess club? Board games or video games? In other words, I’d love to see our school make a place for students who could use a positive place to come and socialize with others in a non-classroom setting. After school, I mean. This would also allow teachers to get to know students on a more personal level, which would enhance the learning environment, as well. Just my thoughts. I’m sure if you asked a student at this high school the same question they’d say that they want athletic fields!
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