Robert A says the last time I checked a four-year degree at NC State University cost about $68,000. Just for tuition. Add books, room and board and the cost could easily top $100,000 over the four years.
To double check those numbers, Robert A googled: What is the average cost of an in-state four-year college education at a public university? This was the answer.” The average cost of attendance for a student living on campus at a public 4-year in-state institution is $25,707 per year or $102,828 over 4 years.” So, Robert A was pretty close; but suggests YOU do the google search and see for yourself.
At the CCS School Board meeting this past Monday night, January 9, 2023 School Board Member Danny Blanton announced to the school board that Crest High School had been officially notified that the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) would CANCEL their ROTC program at Crest High School on March 31, 2023 if CCS did not have on board an ROTC rated instructor. Mr. Blanton related to the board that losing this program would be a shame because of the four-year college scholarships that the ROTC program offers to CCS students.
Of course, School Board Chairman Robert Queen calls Supt. Stephen Fisher to the podium to explain. Something that happens more and more often when Danny Blanton breaks the news that something important is coming down and the School Board members need to know. And Chairman Queen needs somebody to cover his ass.
Supt. Fisher comes up and tells a sad tale that it is hard to find an ROTC approved instructor. That CCS has been looking around and have not found anybody that will apply for such a job. Rookie School Board member Walter Scott Spurling, retired from the US Army, in his very first in-person school board meeting says that he had once looked at becoming an ROTC instructor and vouched for Fisher in his statement that such people are indeed hard to find.
So, everything gets brushed off by Chairman Queen and the majority of the School Board.
But Robert A doesn’t buy into one bit of this sad and sorry excuse of an explanation.
Robert A just happens to know a close family member that was awarded a 4-year ROTC Scholarship and how much was saved by the family. How these ROTC scholarships are a major benefit to those who can qualify, and who may not be able to go to college otherwise.
Robert A also remembers the many times Danny Blanton has questioned the high turnover of teachers at CCS and what the CCS staff is doing about it. Only to be told that it was “no big deal.” Even though it is NOW a big deal.
And, last, but not least, Robert A smells a rat!!! Maybe lots of rats.
- Where has Chairman Robert Queen’s so-called “Education Committee” or “Personnel Committee” been during this looming disaster?
- Why did Supt. Fisher not disclose this deadline to the School Board AND the PUBLIC himself, before Danny Blanton found it out through the grapevine.
- How many other “disasters” are CCS Chairman Robert Queen and CCS Supt. Stephen Fisher hiding from the public?
Folks, there were other “disasters” that “slipped” out at this January 9, 2023 School Board meeting. Stay tuned. Robert A will be disclosing them shortly in other articles. Robert A is trying to shorten his articles. Also, too much bad news all at once may cause all y’all to have to increase your blood pressure medication dosages. Especially when you are told more about recent CCS wasteful spending and their wanting to raise your taxes. Perhaps more of you citizens should start attending more School Board Meetings. Commissioners Meetings too.
