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Home > Blogs > Lakota Schools News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > March > 31 > Entry
Budget cuts
There has been some buzz around the Lakota district about potential budget cuts. Superintendent Mike Taylor announced at a meeting that he is awaiting proposals from department heads before making any decisions. However, cuts may be made in the near future to cut back on the deficit spending as the district nears the end of its levy cycle.
I will keep you posted, but there should be discussions soon on an upcoming levy as well as the final budget proposal. All of these things must be taken with a grain of salt, though, because it all could change once Gov. Ted Strickland’s education plan and budget is approved this summer. That leaves districts in a bind, because any unfunded mandates from him could mean a shift in the budget. Still, the process must take place as usual.
If you were in charge, where would you cut? Read here for some ideas of what Taylor is thinking. He is looking at transportation to athletic events, the number of employed coaches, teachers that are retiring and supplemental contracts.
Taylor has said he wants to make cuts that would least impact a child’s educational experience. He said community outreach also will be a big part of any decision, in order for there to be an understanding of why choices are made.
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By Huiting Milewski
March 31, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
Budget cut is unfortunately inevitable as the economy worsens. However, there are two things to consider in this issue. One is careful budgeting which is done pretty well over the years in the School District. Another is to assure the quality each program currently offered by the school district. I strongly suggest the school officials taking time and looking into each program to determine how well the programs are doing for our children. For instance, no one talk about the ESL program that has been rated “Failed” by the State Dept. of Education two years in a row. But on TV news a week ago, it was reported that our children may lose either gym, music or art classes that are essential in education. Simply cutting certain programs won’t help the situation. It may harm the reputation of our excellent school district in the long run. The rule is simple: if we do not have enough money, at least we make sure every cents count and the program directors should be accountable. One quote from Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York: “… if you think education is costly, try ignorance. Because that will be far costlier.”