The statement, " The job of balancing the budget would have been almost $3 million
easier had the board voted last winter to close and reorganize schools as Jennings
proposed" appears in Steve Brandt's piece this morning without attribution.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/4851527.html
That's according to whose analysis of what set of data? It is a speculative
prediction at best and has a whiny, sour grapes tone. The idea that closing schools
saves money makes sense to some people if their school isn't closing. The district
will not save money simply by closing schools if the closings drive even more people
to private and charter schools and if the reorganization is done without a solid plan
that takes into account the many hidden costs associated with moving large numbers of
staff and shuffling the children of a large percentage of the city. If the $3 million
savings prediction is anything like the estimated number of empty classrooms, well, we
still don't know how many empty classrooms there were or are in city schools, so it's
hard to say just how accurate any of the numbers might be.
The citizens committee that advises the board on budget matters and is "expected
to remind the board pointedly today that closing schools is overdue" is relying on
what set of data, what long range plan? I thought there was going to be some
extensive public discussions before any more drastic solutions were tried.
The real savings happen by laying off teachers; closing schools reduces capacity
and lessens options and saves a little money. Closing some schools will likely be
necessary, especially if enrollments continue to drop. But let's first get a plan in
place that makes sense to the majority, so that even more families don't leave the
district because of a short sighted budget 'fix' that leaves them feeling like
unwanted step children.
And, Bill Kahn, I don't think you need to apologize to the list for keeping Pratt's
situation up for discussion. I would rather that it were one of many associated
threads that included Kenny's, Hiawatha's, Northrop's, Howe's, etc. plight.
Dan McGuire
Ericsson, which was only slated to be renamed and reorganized
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