This year, however, is different. We have lost 47 students between last fall and this year's count date. A good deal of them are from the high school and have gone to alternative ed which doesn't hurt as bad (the funding still stays in the district) The fact is that due to several issues, the economy, the small bubble boom we saw a few years ago, and the fact that the Juniors and Seniors have run head first into the new graduation requirements have left a hole in our attendance - our budget. As someone who cares about the integration of technology into our educational system, and as someone who understands the costs of acquiring, maintaining, and training staff with these tools .
I know I am singing to the choir when I say I am at a loss to understand a legislative system who establishes the budget for school aid in October, or sometimes, November, or whenever it is politically expedient, when schools, by statute have to balance their yearly budgets by the preceding July, 1. In the case of our school district a balanced budget turns into a $465,000 shortfall by years end. I am very concerned about our ability to be able to have those 21st Century skills that we all feel are needed today.
I have heard it said that "those who love the law and sausage should never watch either being made."
bf
4 comments:
I agree with what you have said. Some of the "newbie" legislators have introduced a bill that would require the government to have its budget done in July, and if it is not done, deductions would be made in their salaries for each day it is not done. I don't know how far that will get, but I liked the idea myself!
I keep trying to think of ways I could earn money to get more computers for my classroom. We have already had to earn the money for the computers that I do have for Student Publications. I have heard of schools in the surrounding area that have laptops for their students. Union City is starting that, I think, and that is a relatively small school.
The most important resource/asset of any country (state, city, etc.) is its youth. We in Michigan especially need to be getting these twenty-first century skills to our students. It is so frustrating!!
I totally agree with you Brad. I feel the state needs to put more money into education not take away. Are superintendent talked with one of are legislators last week. He told him that next year they are looking at 400 to 500 cut per student. Their is no way a lot of schools will be able to make it. In order to keep this state running we need to have a strong educational system and that includes great technology for are students to use and learn on.
Thanks Pete for your comment. When our Superintendent spoke with our legislator he said that in a couple of years unfortunately Chuck (the super) might look back on this year as a good one.
bf
It is scary. I Superintendent has been talking about a financial cliff that is coming. I am at the bottom of the seniority list and I fear for my job. The unions might have to settle for less pay or massive lays offs.
In my opinion the budget short falls hit small schools like mine even more so. We did not receive any Obama bucks because of our demographics and we have a larger overhead per student since we are smaller district. As teachers we are already the lowest paid teachers in the Lansing area. Something has to give in my school. I just hope it is not my job.
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