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Here's a really novel idea: Cut bus funding altogether. No, you could still have open enrollment, but SPPS should not have to be responsible for getting the kids there.
In my experience, this idea comes up quite frequently. It certainly has some merit, but it also has serious drawbacks.
On the plus side: -----------------
- reduced costs for bussing
- incentive for families to take advantage
of neighborhood schools
- good neighborhood schools can contribute
to a stronger neighborhoodOn the negative side: ---------------------
- reduced bussing options does limit the
practical value of choice.
- parents have proven that they are willing
to move, if they don't like their local
school choices. Parents that move, are
likely to move out of St. Paul.
- this plans gives more choice to higher income
families with flexible schedules that
can arrange transportation. Lower income
families may feel as if their choice has
effectively been removed.
- there very well may be legal issues that
prevent such a plan from being implemented.I think it does make sense to look at means of reducing transportation costs to the district. I'm not at all convinced that the system is as efficient as it could be. I think its also very possible, that we offer too many transportation options.
To help keep things in perspective (I hope these numbers are correct):
The total school budget is about $448 million. The transportation portion is about $ 23 million.
This makes transportation about 5% of the budget.
By comparison:
Special Ed $76 million or 17% Athletics $ 3.8 million or .8% ELL $19 million or 4%
Here are some interesting "Fast Facts" about the district and the district budget:
http://www.spps.org/district_information/fast_facts.html
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430
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