[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Baseline Budgeting

[Email subscription to blog articles]

Posted by Speed Gibson:
Baseline Budgeting
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1212810821.shtml


   As I look at the budget cutting going on in public school districts,
   there seems to be a common focus: class sizes. Some of this is good,
   forcing re-examination of support staff levels, outsourcing, and
   newer, more productive technology.
   But much of this goes too far in my opinion. Take bus service, for
   example. Transportation used to be a separate fund I'm told, recently
   folded into the General Fund. Bus savings can therefore be spent on
   staff - teachers, to keep down class sizes. Is this what we really
   want?
   Ask the parents. I'm sure I could find cases where junior walked to
   school in first grade, until his elementary school closed. He was
   bused to the next nearest school for a couple of years. Then his
   parents received a letter saying that students were now expected to
   walk up to two miles, unless you pay extra. He therefore now walks 30
   minutes each way to elementary school. Is this what we really want,
   all in the name of class sizes?
   Remember, the research on the effects of class sizes is pretty thin,
   at least above grade 3. Prove to me that fourth graders packed 28 to
   class will do worse than those with a class size of 20. Said another
   way, what test would you administer to high school graduates that
   could tell the difference eight years later?
   What if our "junior" was allowed to attend his nearby school
   throughout his primary years, walking a few blocks. No busing, no half
   hour plus ploddings through fresh snow. What effect would that have on
   his attitude? Would his parents also be more involved with a nearby
   school?
   We could look at the many other facilities and support staff the same
   way. What if a district like 281 simply said that there will be 10
   elementary schools, period. Each will have a principal. Each will have
   a nurse. Each will have a head custodian. Each will have a security
   "enforcer." Each will have a library. Each will have stable boundaries
   and bus service to match. Above all, it means that aging buildings are
   replaced, on the same lot or very close by, not relocated two miles
   away. It will vary slightly building to building, the Legislature must
   change the rules appropriately, but in general: no surprises.
   Parents might be more disposed to buy homes in neighborhoods with such
   a strong commitment. This is particularly important in first ring
   suburbs. Maybe this means class sizes rise a bit, but we can still
   approve levy referendums to correct this if desired. Closing a school
   is a much tougher decision to undo.