NEAT - info about SPPS budget: http://tinyurl.com/3gt66 _________________________________________
This afternoon, Tom Swift reminded me about an essential aspect of any budget discussion. That budgets are about priorities and reflect values, either personal or community values.
Any one of us could probably go through the SPPS budget and cut $12 million dollars of programs that we don't like, don't agree with, or simply don't appreciate. The problem is, that each one of us might pick a different set of programs to cut.
The dilemma is in how we make those cuts (or reductions) as a community - OR - what can we do as a community to increase revenues.
Hopefully, this discussion won't turn into an argument about whose values are right, because that won't get us anywhere. What we can do, is provide the district with some guidance about what we most value as individuals in our school system - and where we are willing to make compromises. Then, out of this collective expression of preferences, the district and the school board will be able to make some sense of what our priorities are as a community.
Please, use this week to share your thoughts about what is most important and, more importantly, where you think that the district can most afford to make financial compromises.
Most importantly, use this week to ask questions and seek a better understanding of the complex decisions that we as a community must make if we are to balance our budget this year.
I eagerly await your ideas and suggestions,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430 =================================================
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