Lawmakers Don't Want You to Hear This – But Our Kids Can't Wait! 💪🍏
As we reflect on the recent developments regarding Superintendent Dr. Konrad’s contract and the associated salary raises, it's hard not to feel a deep sense of frustration. The decision to raise Dr. Konrad’s salary to $215,000, a $25,000 increase from his prior compensation, stands in stark contrast to the troubling trend of declining student enrollment within the Pleasant Valley School District. This latest adjustment, following a 4% raise earlier this year, underscores a pattern that prompts significant questions about how our educational funds are being prioritized.
In recent years, the number of students enrolled in the district’s brick-and-mortar schools has fallen from 4,296 in November 2018 to just 3,843 in November 2024. That’s a drop of 453 students over six years, a pattern that clearly signals deeper issues. Even the larger pool of students eligible to attend public schools has slightly decreased, indicating that the challenges go beyond merely attracting students to our district’s schools.
Given these figures, it's absolutely critical that we reassess how we allocate our educational funding. The trend of increasing administrative salaries while student enrollment declines raises serious concerns. It's clear that the current funding model requires urgent reform. We need to ensure that our financial resources are directed towards initiatives that directly benefit our students and their education.
At Candy Apple Advocacy, we believe in putting families and students first. This is not just a slogan; it's a commitment to challenging the status quo and demanding accountability. Our kids deserve better, and it’s our responsibility to make sure their needs are prioritized.
Our recent 6-week Advocacy in Action program was designed to amplify parent voices and create real impact. Through virtual meet-and-greets, parent empowerment workshops, community outreach, and engaging lawmakers, we aimed to drive significant change. We capped off this journey with a powerful day of action at the Capitol on January 28th. This was not just about raising awareness—it was about demanding the changes our children need.
Now that we've concluded this intense 6-week push, it’s time to reflect on our achievements and look ahead. We’ve built a strong community, raised awareness, empowered parents, and engaged with lawmakers. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s just the beginning. We need to continue advocating for our children and ensuring that their needs are met.