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Guided by Voices – Smothered In Hugs Lyrics 9 years ago
As a veteran educator in a school, I think @[InBobWeTrust:15927] is on the right track. To me, it speaks to a toxic staff environment and low morale in a school (a sunshine fund is a school staff's social/celebration fund):

"in the summer that you came
there was something eating everyone
and the sunshine fund was low
we couldn't greet you
with a simple hello"

This person had a rough time.
Staff at schools can be very cliquey:

"but the judges and the saints
and the textbook committee
decided you should be left out
not even mentioned"

Which forced this person out mid-year; and life went on in that school:

"in the winter that you left
there was business as usual
with the same old fears and frustrations
but the word got out
it was really such a pity"

And yes, teacher/staff follow each other to different buildings, especially if it's a toxic environment:

"but i believed you
no need for further questioning
i'm gonna leave with you
you can teach me all you know
which way will we go now
on our trip to taller windows
i really don't know now
i really don't know"

It all sounds bleak, and unfortunately it can occasionally happen. I've seen it. But mostly I've seen the opposite.

Thanks, Bob, for making an incredible Rock and Roll song about an Elementary building's staff. Cheers!

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