Published: February 20, 2008 05:34 pm            

In Your View — 02/21/08

Schools’ editorial called misleading

I’m writing in response to “Need to Improve.” The Jan 19 editorial presents a somewhat misleading assessment of Carter County middle schools. In the second paragraph, the editorial states that the two middle schools are receiving the grants because “their students have failed to make adequate progress . . . .” Such a generalization is unfair to the district, the teachers, and the students at both middle schools. Any reader who had not examined last year’s CATS scores or No Child Left Behind reports could be given the impression students overall are not making progress.

That is not true. Under NCLB, schools are assigned several goals, and many Kentucky middle schools have struggled to meet those goals. Both Carter County middle schools did in fact meet 12 of 13 goals for the 2006-2007 school year. In many areas, both middle schools are doing well.

I was also bothered by the statement that students at those middle schools . . . “are lagging behind . . . in key academic areas.” Again, I was concerned by the word “students.” The group of students who did not make progress is only a small part of the population of both schools. A closer look at middle schools across the region also gives a clearer picture of Carter County middle schools. Regionally, on CATS scores, the schools ranked near the top of any list of middle schools.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked with nearly 300 schools in more than 50 districts. This year I’ve been privileged to work closely with both Carter County middle schools. The students at both East and West are fortunate to have teachers who are knowledgeable, professional, and who genuinely care about their students.

In spite of not meeting one NCLB goal, both schools are strong and are working extremely hard to become even better.

Angela. C. Hilterbrand, Literacy consultant, KEDC, Ashland



Cost of the war is depriving the needy

The recession is going to force states to cut back their budgets. Most likely, the cuts are going to affect the services that working families need and depend on.

Meanwhile, the war is costing Americans more than $338 million a day. That money could be spent to help out the folks who are hurting most now. For less than what we’re spending on the war, we could pay for affordable housing for hundreds of thousands of families, health care for children, or scholarships to help folks pay for education.

Gas prices are close to double what they were before the war began. The cost of oil is still hovering around $100 barrel.

We’re borrowing $343 million every day to finance the war in Iraq. Our skyrocketing debt will be a bigger and bigger drag on the economy — slowing recovery and burdening future generations.

It might be time to hold the guilty accountable.

Douglas S. Mitchell, Greenup



Day at old schools was good experience

On Jan. 18, the senior class of 2008 had the privilege of visiting our elementary schools in preparation for writing the reflective piece for our portfolios. Not only did we have a great trip to our former schools, but we also enjoyed reuniting with our classmates and the wonderful teachers who helped us begin our educational journeys.

As senior class officer, I recognize the contributions of many individuals who made this trip a success. We appreciate the work of Jamie Carrico and the staff at the bus garage. Thank you to Mike Hilderbrandt at the Paramount Arts Center for sharing the Paramount Joe stories and video and for allowing us to be a part of the art community. Our appreciation also goes to our guest speakers: Jim Purgerson, Mayor Steve Gilmore, Arliss Beach and Phil Eason.

At the elementary schools, our former classroom teachers and media specialists had special events planned. The principals coordinated special events and allowed us to reminisce as we traveled the same halls where we first learned to read and write. Thank you to Mr. Salyers, Mr. Hall, Mr. Greene, Mrs. McHenry, Mrs. Calhoun, Mr. Blankenship, Mr. Oppenheimer from Verity, and Mrs. Griffiths from Holy Family.

And finally, thank you to our teachers for setting up this special event, now in its sixth year, and to the chaperones for giving up their day to make this trip possible: Cary Williams, Dixie Johnson, Karen Frame, Kristy Wilcox, Kevin Stepp, Myra Robertson, Leon Hart, and Mr. Eason.

The combined professional efforts of the Ashland community contributed to our excellent education and the completion of our senior portfolios. The effects of their kindness and concern for our futures will be remembered by all of us who were involved.

Erica Irwin, Vice president, Class of 2008, Paul G. Blazer High School



Bills would help small businesses

Kentucky has a great opportunity this year to expand the support and assistance it offers the state’s small businesses. That opportunity comes in the form of two bills under consideration by the 2008 General Assembly that would extend tax credits or incentives for jobs created by small businesses.

House Bill 38, sponsored by Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, would allow the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority to develop a tax credit program for small businesses (defined by state law as employing up to 150 full-time employees and having gross annual sales of less than $6 million). To qualify, a business would have to create at least one job and invest $5,000 in equipment or technology. The credit would be capped at $25,000 a year.

Senate Bill 36, sponsored by Sen. Richie Sanders Jr., R-Franklin, would expand a tax incentive program now available for large employers in high-unemployment counties that qualify for participation in the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Assistance program.

Both of these bills reflect the understanding of the state’s elected leaders that small businesses are vital to ensuring economic success of Kentucky and its citizens. It is our hope that the General Assembly will discuss the issues surrounding these important measures and quickly enact both House Bill 38 and Senate Bill 36.

Dave Adkisson, President & CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

        

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