Manatee Teacher Layoffs: What Bradenton's Saying

A financial recovery plan under consideration by the Manatee County School Board that would eliminate up to 182 teaching positions and 80 administrative posts has readers of Bradenton Patch talking.

New Manatee Schools Superintendent Rick Mills' plan, which would yield a projected $20 million in savings, has drawn some strong opinions, both among commenters on Patch and on our Facebook page.

Below is a sampling of some of the responses. Post your opinion in the comments section to continue the conversation.

Travlar: "In other words, Rick Mills is telling us to drink the proverbial cool-aid, that we know they created but with the ingredients we purchaced."

Al: "Teacher eliminations ARE an option and a reality. I grew up in public school. We had 25 to 30 students in each class. Guess what? We learned. Those that wanted to cause problems were removed. Parents were expected to educate their children."

Deborah Reilly Singer, via Facebook: "soo..do the idiots who misused the funds get fired?how about a huge pay reduction for the whole school board and leave the teachers alone?"

Kristi Lade, via Facebook: "Find out how many properties the school board owns that are unused that could be sold to save jobs...."

William R. Ball, via Facebook: "This is pathetic..Things can be worked out, so all the teachers jobs can be saved. So whoever is in charge of this should be fired, because they are doing a pathetic job."

Related Coverage

• Manatee Eyes Teacher Layoffs
• Manatee Schools Ordered to Freeze Spending
• Manatee Schools to Cut 188 Positions

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