Sometimes shifting perspective is helpful in addressing a vexing issue.
Instead of asking if we can afford to give Kent County children a good education, ask if we can afford not to. Looked at from that point of view, the answer is a simple no; we cannot afford to not give our children a good education.
The folks telling you otherwise don’t have a dog in the fight. They have either already guaranteed their children’s education, or k-12 education doesn’t concern them.
Equality begins with education, and education cultivates equality in all other spheres of public life.
I have been a passionate proponent for Kent County Public Schools since 2017, along side my wife and her friends as they started a school advocacy group, Support Our Schools (SOS). I have spoken at numerous County Commissioner meetings in the hopes of getting them to properly fund our schools. I have two special needs kids, ages 16 and 13, who require special accommodations for their medical needs. I have an understanding for what it means for schools to provide for ALL children, as I have worked closely with my own children’s schools to ensure their needs are met.
If elected to serve on the Board of Education, I will work tirelessly to ensure our schools thrive for the betterment of the county overall.
Very respectfully,
Piers Heriz-Smith
Candidate for Kent County Board of Education, 2024
MIke Waal says
For at least the last 5 years, of the 24 jurisdictions in the State of Maryland, Kent County has been ranked as one of the top five highest per-pupil-funding counties in Maryland.
State per-pupil-funding, on the other hand, ranks 17th lowest.
If those stats were reversed I could see the point of Piers Heriz-Smith.
Piers Heriz-Smith says
Mike, you present yourself as intelligent, well informed, well educated, and competent in financial affairs. I have no reason to doubt any of those characteristics, which leaves me to wonder why you act as a proxy, arguing for the county administration to continue doing what has brought us to this point.
Surely you understand the economies of scale that dictate that as the smallest school district in MD, our cost per pupil will be high, and remain high, unless we attract more students into our schools through investment. The cost per pupil calculus is compounded by our schools designation as Title I schools, due to the percentage of students living in poverty.
For a more complete response please go to my campaign Facebook page.
v/r
Mike Waal says
Piers,
Your belief is that Kent County is a wealthy county, a perception you have tried to make, and defend, repeatedly. And that the Kent County Commissioners, over multiple administrations, don’t do a good job of funding KCPS.
The facts are that Kent County is not wealthy:
*According to the State’s Wealth Formula spread sheet, of the 24 jurisdictions, that is 23 counties and one county equivalent, Kent County is 22nd poorest in three categories, 23rd poorest in three categories, and 24th poorest in four categories, out of 10 of the 11 categories where a monetary wealth value is provided.
*Additionally, according to the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Kent County has the lowest GDP, GDP being another wealth metric, in the State; dead last of all 24 jurisdictions.
*Furthermore, according to US Census Bureau information, when analyzing total annual payroll, total employment, and a 40 hour work week, the average hourly wage in Kent County is around $20/hr., one of the lowest in the state. As a comparison, Montgomery County is around $38/hr., the highest in the state at almost double.
And yet, while you like to take shots at the Kent County Commissioners, the fact is according to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services 2024 analysis, KC, being one of the least wealthy jurisdictions in the state, ranks 5th highest over at least the last five years in County education-per-pupil-funding of all 24 jurisdictions.
I believe the KC Commissioners prudently have brought KC to this very good point, given their fiduciary responsibilities of managing KC taxpayer money, little as it is, and fiscal responsibilities of funding KCPS.
I’d like to see the KC Board of Education make similar prudent decisions based on the same fiduciary responsibilities.
Mike