On February 20, 2024, the Worcester County Board of Education voted on a $100+ million dollar annual budget. Before the vote was cast, board member Katie Addis (District 6) was concerned that the board only had a condensed, summarized version of the budget without the ability to fully analyze and vet the budget in order to make an informed decision.
Todd Ferrante, Board President (District 7) interjected with dominance by saying: "we did make cuts last year." Addis fired back, agreeing that cuts were made because the board was never given an in-depth budget and was given bare minimum in the last hour. They had to TRUST what the Executive Team was giving them were the best cuts to be made. Addis remained optimistic that the next year's budget would be handled more responsibly by the board. Here we are today, with the other board members protecting the status quo.
A couple of administrators attempted to interfere, but two board members William Buchanan, Board VP (District 1) and Elena McComas (District 5) interjected. Both board members admitted that they are not qualified to review the budget and that they just "trust" administration.
Developing and approving the district budget is a major part of a board member's role. Addis also added, "part of understanding that when you sign up for the board of Education, part of that role is to pass a budget."
For the exception of Addis, the other board members clearly surrendered their authority to administration and rubber stamped the budget in the video below.
Is this responsible representation? Let the board members know how you feel. Most importantly, the names highlighted in red are all seats that are up for reelection in 2024 and all have new opponents running against them. Pay attention, and make your voice heard at the ballot box.
Todd A. Ferrante, President, District 7 - todd.ferrante@worcesterk12.org
William E. Buchanan, Vice President, District 1 - william.buchanan@worcesterk12.org
Donald C. Smack, Sr., District 2 - donald.smack@worcesterk12.org
Jon M. Andes, Ed.D., District 3 - jon.andes@worcesterk12.org
William L. Gordy, District 4 - william.gordy@worcesterk12.org
Elena J. McComas, District 5 - elena.mccomas@worcesterk12.org
Katie Addis, District 6 - katie.addis@worcesterk12.org
Fellows & Editors
February 22, 2024
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