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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The clock’s ticking to pass the state tests, so students, meet your private tutors. The nearly 6,000 Baltimore City public school students who are at risk of not graduating because of their failure to pass the High School Assessments will soon have tutors from private companies to help them prepare.
The school system is doling out money to the poorest schools so they can hire outside companies that will offer tutoring, group sessions and other interventions to students who have failed at least one High School Assessment, under a plan unveiled Tuesday.
The $6.3 million program, which includes after-school and Saturday classes, test preparation materials and teacher training, will begin next month and target 39 schools in an effort to groom the classes of 2009 and 2010, the first groups of students required to pass the exams in algebra, government, English and biology to graduate from high school.
So far, Baltimore students have failed the tests 8,666 times, some multiple times each, according to test data.
“The numbers are a little high, but I think with the correct support, we will have more students passing the tests,” said Roger Shaw, the new executive director of secondary schools.
The system selected schools that had more than 40 percent of students receiving free or reduced meals.
Each school will develop a 15-month action plan on how to improve students’ performance and will decide individually how to spend the funding.
In addition to hiring state-approved private instructors who can offer computer-based and in-home tutoring, the schools also can use peer tutors and college students.
Allowing schools to tailor their own plans falls in line with city schools chief Andres Alonso’s promise to give principals greater autonomy with increased accountability.
kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Alternative Option Schools -Please comment said:
Did you know? We have BCPSS schools copying off a high price Miltary School in Virginia. They are assigned to classes for 360 or more minutes in one class (English,Reading, ect)for 30 days. They will earn one credit for each course they complete in the 30 days. Do you understand it represents one year of work in 30 days!These are students who have failed two or more times. These are for troubled students with over-aged, poor attendance, poor study skills, lack of motivation, chronic lateness, as well as those with learning disabilities or other social,economical or behavioral/emotional problems. It it considered an accelerated credit recovery program. I feel we are setting this group up for failure and the teachers too. They can earn up to 8 credits a year. I think it would be great for advanced students at the city schools(not zoned or AOP schools).They can return to another school when they get enough credits to transfer or stay and graduate and get HS diploma.They must pass HSA too.
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dmw said:
Wishing everyone returning to BCPSS a good school year. Stay positive and get to know your students. We must provide programs to focus on preparing kids for the world of work. We must teach reading and math to all of the students so they can reach their highest potentials. We must help them build their character and become good citizens. Support us for Believing in Our Teachers, Students, Parents and Schools. You will see "GREAT KIDS, GREAT SCHOOLS IN ACTION" more than ever before. It will be a good year for everyone.
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Retired City Teacher 2008 said:
sorry for typo errors---please deal with the issues
5 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I found the comments of "Retired City Teacher 2008" on August 9, 2008 very interesting in that I observed eleven (ll) glaring errors (grammar, punctuation and spelling). No wonder the students in Baltimore City graduate from high school at a 4th grade reading level.
2 agree | 7 disagree
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Retired City Teacher 2008 said:
Now there are too many teachers!Hopefully some schools cam get smaller class sizes,extra resource classes or pupil services(from who's budget I don't know).After the budget cuts and surplus,central office displaced, schools and programs shutdown,non renewals,retirees let go now we have at least 141 teachers-it was suppose to save us money(how does this save).Many are returning to lower paying jobs- with new names but doing the same duties and job descriptions as before.There are experienced teachers with degrees but are not certified getting paid substitute pay@100 per day.There are folks outside their area of study and some still don't know what or where they will be yet.There is lots of resentment, anger and stress among the staff.We lost alot of good people. When school opens I predict alot of unresolved staffing problems.
4 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
It's interesting that Mayor Dixon is now suggesting that she as mayor take over the Baltimore City school system, especially when she and all her cohorts and supporters laughed at the idea when Kiefer Mitchell was suggesting that when he was running against her for mayor. However, putting all that aside, Mayor Dixon is not and would not be competent to step into that position; and Mr. Alonso, having made great improvements in the school system, should be allowed to continue his endeavors without the present mayor being allowed to interfere or take over. Perhaps down the road when the City finally reawakens and begins electing people of intelligence as they did years and years ago (I won't hold my breath) that can be reconsidered but now is not the time. For now, let Mr. Alonso continue to do the job he is doing and under the circumstances he is doing it well. The city is lucky to have Mr. Alonso.
2 agree | 4 disagree
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Boo Hoo said:
Oh great. She's doing such a good job corrupting everything else, why not let her corrupt the schools even more than they are. Surely there are lots of high-paying, no-show school system jobs for her family and friends, to say nothing of no-bid contracts. Hell, let her take over the world.
2 agree | 1 disagree
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Displaced City Teacher said:
They call it reorgnization-I'd call it disorganization.Some people still aren't sure where or what they will be doing in Aug.We are still waiting to be assigned or told assignments.Lots of HR people on vacation or out of the office lately(burned out?). Lots of changes sure but very slow progress or answers.There is lots of resentment, anger and stress among the staff.We lost alot of good people. When school opens I foresee alot of unresolved problems and vacanies.The CEO double talks so much-I think it is to keep the public confused.He still doesn't seem to have connection with the staff and doesn't seem to care. He doesn't communicate very well at all. Very few trust him or believe in him-he needs to work on reversing that trend.Seems everyone is watching and waiting for us to fail no matter how much the students improve.Constant Negative Vibes from our neighbors and non supporters weighs heavy on us.Give us a break-we are trying despite the bigger daily issues we must face.
5 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Budget cuts,surplused folks, displaced office workers,reapplying teachers and admin,non-certifed/non renewals-Nothing like being treated with respect or being treated like professionals. Teachers finished school on 6/13 without official written notification of our job assignment,this is part of our contract that says we will be notified by the last day of school.We got letters stating it might be Aug 15 before we know assignments. Teachers are waiting for their assignments and getting-What is left-The worse schools,worse assignments, the worst locations, lowest test scores,poorest of the poor-so much to look forward too.Oh yeah -really looking forward to this coming year. The DECENTRALIZATION/disorganization of North Ave was fine but what he really wants is for us to be more like New York.Most of the new programs are being run by New York Non-Profits and out of Philly.I want to know why. Are they that great? Are their test score really that high? Are they safer?
1 agree | 1 disagree
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system stability said:
To Mr CEO: With the MSA Scores increase, we know lots of teachers were doing something right before you came and decided to recreate and reorganize and shift people around(some haven't been in school for many years or in touch with newest trends) Who gets the credit? Why change what is working? For everyones sake I hope things will continue to improve but if they don't who will we blame or give the credit to? The changes in budget and staffing hopefully will not be a big negative impact-but I will wonder and keep an eye on test scores...for the next few years.
7 agree | 1 disagree
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DMW said:
Check it out- DOUGLASS HIGH on HBO--Baltimore City Schools at their best!!!Kudos to all the outstanding, kind,caringm concerned and loving teachers.It is a tough job and we thank you.
2 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Give credit to those who deserve it.Kudos!
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Wishing all the reassigned a good school year.
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Tired of the Same Ole Same Ole said:
I graduated from a Baltimore Co high school and we had at least 5 trailers used as classrooms because of overcrowding. I graduated from Milform Mill Academy in 2001, so I can only imagine how bad the problem is now. But I am not surprised that this article is speaking on mainly white schools in East Baltimore. The areas like Ransallstown and Woodlawn are now being pushed to the side and I am not surprised at all! I am sure that soon these areas will have the same ills as the city b/c of the lack of government support. They will continue to continue to put money into certain areas in the city and as the demand for those rebuilt areas grows, the gentrification will begin. Baltimore is a joke!
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
if you havent checked out HARD TIMES AT DOUGLASS HIGH on HBO--really shows balt city schools at their best!!!
4 agree | 5 disagree
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Honor said:
Thank God for Christians. Take from the rich and give to the poor, Marty.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Jew said:
Number's do not lie! The term open space and redistricting schools including putting city student's back in the city, no exceptions comes to mind. Our tax dollars do not pay for city students. Now school's are in the great depression and the conservatives, why whine. What comes after recession? Equals in poverty, etc. No vision, no money. Frivolous lawsuits is what will ruin the triple A rating. That's what happens when you have a degree with no common sense. Think with your brain next time.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
City take over is that a joke? It was nice way back when it was under city but so much has changed.Money was the issue then and now.Would the city have the money to do what needs to be done?Doesn't seem like the city gets interested until someone is getting the spotlight and attention.Mayor doesn't seem very involved if at all in the school business so why now?Is this all about getting reactions,stirring up things,getting attention away from the focus on her personal life?If we can't do it better and right leave it alone.
5 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
STOP and Think!So a survey.Check the records. Where do they get these ideas?Do they realize how many students come to school late everyday?It is a real serious problem already.Seems to be all grades,schools and most areas no matter what time school opens. in the city.I can't imagine them getting there at 7:30AM.lots arive between 9-9:30. Many come to school hungry, sleepy and tired already and by 2:30 many are sleepy and non-responsive.Lots of teachers and staff are late regularly-what then?They don't seem to care and get away with it.Same ones over and over again.The parents are often the cause of lateness or the means of transportation. Schools don't use the time they have now to teach and educate,so much time is wasted,we need to manage the time much more effectively that we have and not add more. It would be too expensive also.it would be a costly baby-sitting service more than anything else.Yes,they would be off the streets but doing what?Get the facts!
5 agree | 3 disagree
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dmw said:
Last week, 286 teachers who have been on conditional certification since 2005 received non-renewal letters. If they're able to complete their certification by the end of the summer, they can be re-hired into a school with a vacancy.This is in addition to the group that got their letter in May and June. About 100 teachers whose positions were eliminated by their principal's budget were still awaiting placements as of last week. All of them will have jobs, the system says; it's just a question of where they will be.That was what the job fairs were for but there are still alot of vacancies.They say all staff will be assigned by Aug 15. Central Office got first pick,then restructured failing school personnel then the surplus teachers-it was not done very fairly.We are all certified and returning staff.The process was demeaning and exhausting.Personnel,HR, Admin were not even available during alot of this to answer question and guide personal or BTU(out of office,on vacation, in mgts).
11 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Please stop this from becoming real...Chinquapin Middle School is not a good location for the new Baltimore Rising Star Academy!!!It is a rough area.Lots of neighborhood problems and gang activity.I would not get my child go into that area.I would not want to work in that area myself. There are plenty of buildings and areas in Baltimore that would be better and safer.I hope they reconsider this plan.Check it out parents,it is not safe.
6 agree | 3 disagree
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DMW said:
Yes the CEO and Central staff need a reality check. Everyone will be closely monitored and watched I am sure.This alternative program is definitely a step in the right direction. It gets the worse problem students away from the general student population and give more support services to students with severe behavioral or emotional problems. This will help the regular students and teachers get on with learning if used effectively.We need programs to focus on preparing kids for the world of work.We need to teach reading and math to all of the students so they can highest potentials and become good citizens.Will parents be responsible for attendance?Is it going to be manatory?Will there be security and crisis intervention in the immediate area? Some are good kids that made bad choices. Lots are gang members and part of DJJ so will they be part of the daily process?Hopefully social serivces and pysch services will be available and behavior modification part of training for staff.
8 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I am glad Success Acad will be in North Ave.CEO and staff need a reality check and this should do it.They don't seem to have a clue on what really goes on day by day in a school or classroom.I think thwy will be more willing to help and make changes when they experience "problems" that are going on in real time. NCLB -The Douglas High film was a beginning...hopefully it will help make it better citywide.
5 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Contractors are this very minute installing bars in this baby jail.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Lisa in Baltimore said:
Apathetic and uneducated parents! That is the problem and a problem that no amount of money will fix. Watch the HBO "No Child Left Behind" documentary and see if money buy an "interest" in learning.
4 agree | 3 disagree
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Workin Stiff said:
Why waste the construction money. If the students arent learning does it really matter if they are in a new building or a 100 year old structure? Fix the learning process first Alonso, then worry about new construction.
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Cliff Williams said:
Here's a suggestion, don't let Dixon take over the schools. She needs to handle her own problems before trying to fix other's.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I love BCPSS, but we need some help. Maybe some of the readers could email the school board, or the mayor or someone with some suggestions. How about a town meeting to address the issues at hand.
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
BCPSS is in a crisis and this is a bandage approach. They need more support from administrators and get rid of NCLB. I think the teachers spent more time testing, test preping and testing than teaching. So, that's smart make everyone one reapply start off with new teachers and research shows students do better with experencied teachers and administrators. That is a great idea, way to go BCPSS.
4 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You can take the same schools and same teachers and repalce the students with Whites or Aisians and the scholastic results will go increase. The problem is the breakdown in the family among blacks.
4 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
they need fewer schools and more jails in baltimore city. dixon and her ilk will ask the citizens of maryland to fund these projects. because the city is financially and morally a mess.
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The schools in baltimore city should be closed down now! This is an emergency and we need help from the national guard to restore order in town here.God please help us!
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Indie said:
And for all of you short-sited, reactive, completely thoughtless and ignorant citizens, you can't keep blaming the mayor for everything. Has anyone looked at the city budget and spending? Compare it to neighboring counties or comparable cities. The city is POOR! Balt, Mont, & Howard counties have so much $$! The mayor only has so much to work with and anyone in Dixon's position has a daunting and seemingly insurmountable task. Some people say stupid things like "solve crime... drugs.... send kids to jail... you can't teach city kids...." this kind of thinking has been spawned from those who believe in the jim crow laws which created this mess. No mayor is going to be able to just solve crime! O'Malley's extremely aggressive and punitive 0 tolerance police failed miserably. You can't arrest your way out of this problem, OBVIOUSLY. INVEST in students and people; it's something we've never really done and the proof can easily seen in our history of policy.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Indie said:
VERY BAD MOVE, DIXON! Mayor Dixon has NO CLUE what's going on with city schools; that's her problem. Yes, cities are taking over their school system and doing EXACTLY what our CEO ALONSO IS ALREADY DOING! She needs to get more involved and understand that the school system needs more funding. She claims that she's giving more to the schools but in actuality, she's giving the same amount of money (~ 0.1% more each year), and saying that there's more per pupil b/c enrollment drops!!! Enrollment is dropping b/c the city is not investing in children! Words to the mayor: Don't take over the schools b/c of other hotshot mayors; it's a strategy to use when you've exhausted resources with the school system and major reform needs to happen. Major reform is already happening under Alonso but you have certainly NOT come close to investing your resources in schools. First, get a clue b/c you sound like an idiot when talking about schools and then pony up the $$$!
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
So let's see... She wants kids who don't show up for a normal day of school to "not attend" an even longer day of studies. Good luck! And forget about the kids and their upcoming whining. The "adults", who are so involved now, will shout the loudest against the plan. Their youngsters need time to hang out with their friends. Sheila, here's the solution.... Shorten the day. You tell the kids to come every day for only three hours of instruction, followed by fun for the rest of the day. They participate in the three hours and, then, they can have fun with their friends. Maybe more of them will show up. And let's face it, many of the teachers haven't worked three hours in one day for years!
5 agree | 3 disagree
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prognostic said:
That's just great! Dixon takes over the schools which will spiral further downward and produce more illiterates that will "wind up in Iraq" as John F'in Kerry would claim. I don't know...If Dixon gets her wish before she's thrown in jail, would the Fed and state be absolved from tossing money into this cesspool? Would the productive citizens of Baltimore be forced to pick up the tab? City schools need accountability. Becoming independent of Dr.Grasmick may be a recipe for further disaster!
3 agree | 4 disagree
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Kickin Wing said:
I like the idea of a longer school day for Baltimore City public school kids. For many Baltimore City kids, school is the ONLY place they are given structure, and more of it would be great. But as another poster wrote, more time in a dysfunctional school isnt going to help-- he's right. Fix the schools and lengthen the school day.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Hey Sheila worry about crime for a change!!!!!!!!!!
4 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Why not extend the school day to 24/7 and let the nanny state see if they can condition their little thugs into being productive citizens. Before any further reforms are initiated, all teachers should be provided body language in case another one should slip like that teacher in the north Baltimore high school who apparently said something to justify having one of the city's fine youth pummel the stuffings out of her. Seriously, two more hours of a dysfunctional failing program won't make any difference at all. Last time I checked nothing times nothing is still nothing. That's math basic enough for the acheivement level of the "Awh, we give up!" city school system.
5 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ding Dong. Jesse Helms is dead!
4 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You mindless shills for the mayor truly confound me. You are part of Baltimore's problems. Dixon has done nothing for public schools in 22 years of public office. She has had every opportunity to press and support this issue over the years. But, while she remained silent and did nothing for more than two decades, the public schools got progressively worse on her watch. Her taking responsibility now is akin to Jesse Helms working with Bono before his death. Too little, too late. Besides, it is clar that she has no clue what to do.
6 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
She should take control. We need ONE person responsible for this mess. Nobody else will step up. Kudos to the Mayor. This took place in Chicago and it has helped improved what one Presidential candidate once called the worst school system in the country. Children in some inner-city schools are now learning Chinese! Again, kudos to Dixon. This can only hurt her. It takes forever to fix a school system, but she's assuming responsibility. It's a political death wish but it's her job. Love it.
6 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Puhlease, Shoe, this is not going to take attention away from your unethical shenanigans, some say, crimes.
9 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
LOL. Dixon rejected a State take over; but now that she is Mayor, a City take over is fine. Let's hope she is forced out by ethics violations. The City schools do need to be taken over, but not by the City. Baltimore City can't run itself.
6 agree | 5 disagree
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Galt said:
How very appropriate. Dixon's headed for jail. She can show them the ropes.
7 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Dixon is stupid! They have a school with longer days already, it's called JAIL!!!!!!! The school can't control the monkeys with the time they spend with them now and she wants to make the day longer. HEy Dixon stop trying to think, you must be on your childs drugs.
6 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I say the next time a student puts his or her hands on a teacher the teacher should give them a .45 cal hug.
4 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The Mayor can't control the city, what makes her think she can control the schools What a joke!!!
5 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
that is right parent involvement is the key. nff said, it is not the montessori way it is the way parents view their child's education. if playstation is more important than homework so be it. if profanity in the home is used than why not school. the current ceo cannot do anything to change a lower social economic problem until the parents decide to help.
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Examiner Reader said:
dwm stated he or she was a north ave flunky. it is about time someone there cleaned house. you were hired as a teacher not to sit in north ave and not teacher children. the less employees at north ave the better. i just wish anne arundel school did the same. did you know dwm that classroom instruction is the teachers salary and the materials. i bet in batimore where they get 12000 per child less than 2000 makes it there. in anne arundel coutry it is worse. the money should go to the classroom not some flunky in central office
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