Baccalaureate progam may be cut from budget
2/12/2011
By ERIKA CAPEK The Brunswick News
An internationally renowned program adopted by the Glynn County Public School System could be eliminated because of a revenue shortfall.
School officials say International Baccalaureate, a program that promotes intercultural understanding and respect, could be on the chopping block in the face of pressure to cut the budget. The new school year budget begins July 1.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at C.B. Greer Elementary and the Middle Years Programme for grades six through 10 at Needwood Middle School and Brunswick High were authorized in spring 2010. The third part of the program, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th graders, has not been started yet.
To offer the Primary and Middle Years Programmes, faculty and staff had to go through hours of teacher training and the school's curriculum had to be adjusted. Thousands of dollars were spent on the application, assessment and annual fees.
To continue the program in primary and middle years, the school system must pay an annual fee of $17,000.
To start the diploma program at Brunswick High for students aged 16 to 19, the school system would have to spend at least $50,000 for the next two years for the application, teacher training and other fees. The high school International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, recognized by leading universities around the world, offers a challenging two-year curriculum that combines rigorous academics with extracurricular activities like the arts and community service. Students who receive the diploma increase their chances of admission to highly selective colleges and universities and can receive college credits for courses.
"We haven't made an application yet because it requires money," said Joan Boorman, director of testing, International Baccalaureate and grants for the school system.
The high school diploma program may have to wait for at least another year or until the economy picks up. In a worst-case scenario, the entire International Baccalaureate program, including in primary and middle years, could be scrapped.
"This is one of those programs that if we start, I'd like to see us finish it," said Millard Allen, a member of the board of education. "I hope we can scrape up some money to see the completion of this."
International Baccalaureate was part of former superintendent Michael Bull's vision to offer themes and magnet programs at the schools in 2005, a time when the economy was booming. The program first began at Needwood Middle in 2006 with a self-study. The following year, the application process took place. In 2007, C.B. Greer jumped on board and officials began their application process.
When the school system's budget took a huge hit in 2010, administrators were forced to cut millions out of programs, salaries and positions. Officials expect the next school year will be even worse.
Board member Mike Hulsey said the diploma program may need to be on the list of potential cuts, especially since it hasn't started. However, he would like to at least continue funding it in the lower grades.
"I think we're facing as bad a year if not worse than last year," Hulsey said. "Everything will have to be on the table just like last year. I just don't know where the money is going to come from."
If International Baccalaureate is completely cut out of the budget, the schools would have to start all over again, Boorman said.
"The cost of getting back up to speed would be at least equal or greater than what you would save while suspending it," she said. "We'd have to go through the whole cycle again."
|
|
9 Comment
To Todd
Please learn how to use a period. Oh, and please discuss the real issues.
JR
2/13/2011
Please learn how to spell
Todd
2/13/2011
IB
Do ALL the research folks. There are sites out there that sound intelligent and explain that the Holocaust never existed -- you can find a site that will say anything you want to hear. However, IB is recognized for excellence AROUND THE WORLD. How fortunate that our students could have the opportunity to participate in cutting edge pedagogy that produces global citizens who can be educated and/or work anywhere in the world. IB goes "beyond the basics" which is what our students need to navigate this world. Our top 10% get very little in terms of resources compared to the bottom. Why not give them a program that will help them more completely fulfill their potential? Glynn will be taking a giant step backwards to drop IB and not add it to Brunswick High.
Educator
2/13/2011
to JW
IB fees (and its ideology) are absolutely NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Truth About IB
2/13/2011
Doubt IB!
What a shame that the district wasted hundreds of thousands in 2009-2010. Yes, cut bait now. Don't throw more good money after bad.
www.truthaboutib.com
Truth About IB
2/13/2011
IB Program
One more comment: Is getting accepted to the "best" colleges really a problem for Glynn County's "best" students? NO
Retired teacher
2/12/2011
IB Program
We do not need an IB program in the high schools at this time. This is an elite program that should be open to only the very, very best students. IB makes Advanced Placement look simple. I just don't believe it is the best way to spend our very limited resources AT THIS TIME.
Retired teacher
2/12/2011
Baccalaureate program
The vendors of this program may be willing to negotiate the fee. No one just pays the sticker price in these times.
JW
2/12/2011
Let cents make sense
Has anyone (Mr Hulsey, Mr Allen, Ms Boorman?)taken an economics class lately? This is an absolutely wonderful program that should be fully funded by any means necessary. Once this program is up and fully running, students that currently excel can reach a new level of education and knowledge.
It will be far less expensive to continue the program and watch our top students shine then to scrap it and wait a few years before initiating it all over again.
Mike Bull had a poor ending to his career here in Brunswick, but he had incredible foresight on what was needed and his programs helped hundreds of students achieve goals that they could not dream of. This program is just another vision in his foresight.
Michael
2/12/2011