I keep reading about the governor’s education reform committee. It would appear there is no reform, only an increase in teacher’s pay. I am reminded that the largest single block of voters in Georgia is that group of people employed by state and local education systems.

Not too many years ago, there was one non-teaching job for every four teachers throughout the various systems. Now I understand that there is one non-teaching job for every teacher in Georgia education systems. How come ?

I see the HOPE scholarship program for higher education is now unable to meet its needs. It was interesting to note that the shortfall began to occur as the colleges and universities raised tuition rates faster than HOPE money became available.

The biggest question to me is the establishment called the Board of Regents. This group that does not teach a class employs more than 400 people; has a chancellor who is paid more than $1 million per year; has at least three vice-chancellors who are paid more than $300,000 per year; and more than 100 employees that are paid more than $100,000 per year. All this, plus expense

money and benefits that account for more than $50 million per year. This is the group that made a gift of $5 million to the outgoing president of UGA after only five years on the job.

When does real reform begin?

Bruce W. Hallowell
Clarkesville