Comments for Point of No Return at http://www.theind.com , comment 1 to 8 out of 8 comments http://www.theind.com Sat, 25 May 2013 17:01:57 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8811 The only price tag I'm shocked at is the price of this stupid "Master Plan". I'd like to know why a bunch of building inspectors costs that kind of money. Tell me, does that billion dollars cover the cost of no only hiring the idiot contractors who will screw it up, but also the contractors who will charge 3 times as much to fix with the last idiot screwed up? Because you know THAT is going to happen. - Voter Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:35:57 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8755 I am so elated that the Hef , drove away in a fruit colored Mazda. Reminds me of ole Frenchy, when he retired and drove away, on his bicycle, the day after he missed his first day of work in 58 years. - On the Square Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:47:37 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8751 Where does the Lafayette Tea Party stand on another tax increase by the school board? I am not a tea party member and I oppose it!! So if Lafayette has a real tea party they will take a stand. I WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE FROM THE TEA PARTY MEMBERS. - Michael Moss Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:29:27 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8728 What has been the budget of LPSB for the last 20 years. I suspect that, even without tax increases, the top line revenue has steadily risen and spending has steadily risen. Am I correct? Also, with federal spending, people like to compare spending to the GNP of the country. Is there a similar number for the Parish/City? "Gross Parish Product" maybe? The number of students has gone up over the last 20 years--how much? How much money per student does LPSB spend, has spent for the last 20 years? - ragin_cajun Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:02:30 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8723 So the school board has really gotten better over the years. Although most people probably can't tell--just trust Hefner--it's much better now. Then, we're told that the smaller class size strategy hasn't worked out, and it's increased facilities costs. Not mentioned is that it also must have increased number of employees at the school board, and number of teachers, too. "The research is far more definitive on the positive aspects of a strong teacher in the classroom than the mixed research on class size. " Never mind the facts, we think smaller class size is the way to go, and that's what we're gonna do. So if the research is in, and the board has made a mistake that has raised costs, and the board is "holding itself accountable" now, are they going to cut costs? No. Increase class sizes? No. Layoff any teachers or staff? Doubt it. Is there anything they could possibly do decrease spending? Nah. What are they going to do? Build a new "technical and career high school" and name if after David Thibodeaux, "the late board member who led the charge to lower the student-teacher ratio, which Hefner cites as a contributing factor in our deficient facilities." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! - ragin_cajun Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:17:54 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8719 Same old thing. Mike Hefner speaks but really says nothing. A peach sports car, really? Who cares? Did you think of asking him why the majority of citizens in Lafayette voted no on taxes? It has nothing to do with our support of public education and everything to do with lack of confidence in the LPSB/LPSS central office and board. It is foolish to give a board with no accountability more money. What about asking good old Mike what took the LPSS so long to achieve unitary status? 30 years seems to be a long time to resolve segregation in a public school system. Why would the LPSB be shocked at the price tag to "fix" a problem they have ignored for the past 20 years? Do it in your own home and see how it works. Here's the deal, Walter. If we want better public schools we are going to need local media to take a tougher stance. Go ahead, point a fourth finger back at yourself. As for Mike, maybe the job would have been more rewarding if he actually worked hard at problem solving, education opportunities,accountability within the system and representing his district. A good dose of honesty and integrity would have gone a long way to lighten his burden. - Pedro Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:06:46 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8718 To the Original Northsidian: Good questions that I thought needed to be answered. When I was elected to the Board you had the option of paying into Social Security or the Louisiana Teachers Retirement System. I chose Social Security even though I know I will never see a penny of those contributions due to the ooor findancial condition of social security. I didn't believe elected officials should be participating in a retirement system designed for school employees. I don't believe they have that option any longer because the law was changed. I did not receive any health insurance benefits as a board member. - Mike H Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:12:39 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/6531-point-of-no-return#comment-8714 Do they qualify for a retirement. If they do, how much will the retirement pay be? Also will they get any health insurane benefits? - The Original Northsidian Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:46:55 +0100