Will Oakland School Close?

Superintendent Addresses Gilmer County Tea Party

The Gilmer County Tea Party held their monthly meeting Tuesday night with guest speaker Bryan Dorsey, Superintendent of Gilmer County Schools. Mr. Dorsey, who by the way is just stepping into this position, spoke about the concerns of a budget shortfall and areas of restructure to enable the school system to operate within their means.Mr. Dorsey’s recurring message seemed to be “we cannot spend what we don’t have” and explained they were going to have to use the “N-O” word” to try and get through what appears to be some tough cuts to the budget. Some of the cuts could be in the form of closing Oakland, combining two of the Ellijay schools, offering an alternate plan for the Driver’s Ed course, and salary reductions in clerical and administrative areas. Mr. Dorsey said “these changes are not popular or fun but necessary.”

Facing these tough decisions seemed to place quite the burden on the new superintendent who told us “when it comes to wondering how we are going to pay for things “we” always turns into “us” and we do not want to borrow at the end of the year.” Several in attendance were able to voice their concerns to Mr. Dorsey during a Q & A time. Questions ranged from how children would be bussed if Oakland closed, what percentage of revenue funds did the schools receive compared to other counties, how would the teacher reduction be decided, who determines class size, and how would it help if the decisions could be made locally without State salary schedules. Mr. Dorsey addressed the questions and shared information about the way the system currently operates.

Fetchyournews.com will post video of the Superintendent speaking to the citizens and entire Q & A. The Gilmer County Tea Party’s meetings are normally held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the North Georgia Christian Academy located at 191 Harold Pritchett Rd.