I was very disappointed that the Math 24 Competition was cut this year. When I asked for the Talented and Gifted Resource Teachers, the position I taught when starting this competition, to take this over, I offered to help with the set up and paperwork that went with it. The principals made the decision without input from me. I too agree that we need to keep programs that benefit our TAG students. Please keep advocating for these students. Jennifer Fanning

It seems amazing that Janesville citizens can find it in their hearts to fund beautiful multimillion dollar empty buildings and not properly fund academics,staff,future gifted programs and special events for the future readers and leaders of our country. The facade of education in this city continues as in the past. This seems to be like building "churches" without good foundations, without hymnals, Bibles,preachers or faith that we can succeed. What an example for our youth!

Funny how academic programs are always the first to go. Amazing how there's still basketballs to bounce, and numerous other sport-related activities that have not seem any cuts. The only sports things we've seen changed is the athletic fee, which most high schools already have.

85% go to college the other 50% work with you. That was funny.

Another cut for the kids who are actually excelling? Seems unfair. I thought we were supposed to motivate those who actually care about learning and excelling, and give them a few perks for their efforts. This isn't serving those kids who try so hard & do well. Hats off to Ruth Robinson, who does a bang-up job - too bad the budget is getting in the way of doing what she knows is best.

Interesting that no cuts could be found in sports.

Interesting how they cut SOS competetion a few years ago,then the Battle of the Books, and now Math 24. These are program opportunities for TAG students. The district cuts out money the top students, but continually adds dollars other programs for charter schools for academically challenged, potential dropouts, special education, etc. Parents of top students should be outraged.

Math, Reading, Music what next. There may be no clear evidence that this is becoming a pawn in negotiations, but it sure is looking like it. This makes the union look bad not the schools.

Ahhh...another bright move using "the budget" as an excuse. I'd hope a passionate teacher or parent volunteer would be able to resurrect the program for this year. Is that even a possibility?

I see in the other article on this subject that of the two former organizers, one retired and the other is Jennifer Fanning, the lead negotiator for the teacher's union. Why does this suddenly sound like a contract dispute job action?
She claims that she didn't think she could organize it herself so she turned the whole thing over to the talented and gifted teachers. Why not try to recruit another teacher to help her instead of just dumping it on someone else?

At least the children's department at the public library rescued Battle of the Books. I wonder if there is any group that can save the math competition?

CUT SPORTS NOT ACADEMICS

First Battle of the Books and now the Math 24 tournament?!?! With budget cuts always aiming at ACADEMIC subjects and the arts in spite of sports being a financial "black hole" in the schools (more expended than coming in), is it any wonder that the achievement of US students compared to those in other developed nations in math, science, geography, history, and even simple language continues to decline in free fall???? The tools we give our children today are knowledge and skills that will determine the fate of our nation. It's time to realize smaller classes and encouraged teachers create success; attention, time and funding to academics DOES pay off in the long run in both tangible/intangible, as well as, personal/cultural value; and aiming for excellence to provide academic achievement has never been more worthwhile and necessary. I suppose this fortells we should be preparing for another round of the district targeting the music programs again...