NEAT - info about SPPS budget: http://tinyurl.com/3gt66 _________________________________________
I'd like to thank Brian Joyce for responding with some information about the Citizens Budget And Finance Advisory Committee. I've also found a link to some online information:
http://www.chin-purcell.org/cbfac/index.htm
On this page are some specifics about the committee, it includes up to 17 people - 1 appointed by each board member and 10 at-large members. See this page for more info about its charge:
http://www.chin-purcell.org/cbfac/Revised%20Charge03.htm
I wasn't able to find any information about this committee on the district web site, nor was I able to find meeting dates or times.
------ Brian's Comments From Earlier Today ---------
My name is Brian Joyce and I am a current member and former co-chair of CBFAC.
CBFAC is an advisory group to the board and this year instead of dealing with the entire budget has chosen to look at one area ELL funding. The group looks at the districts budget practices and offers input on what works, what doesn't and what can be improved or eliminated.
To be on the committee one is appointed at large or by a school board member. More information can be requested from the business office. All meetings are open to the public and dates can be found at the districts web site.
Does it accomplish anything? That depends on the view you take. The job is to give advise and this advice is not always taken. However in my three years I feel the presentation of budget information, the way funds are distributed and the way information is shared and used have improved. The board members I have spoken with want input and take what is put forward seriously. So from my singular view point it has been and continues to be a worth while experience.
Last year a report was given to the board which called for no major changes as that was a year of relative peace thanks to the referendum. The group changed it's focus and by-laws and are trying the one topic approach. This has allowed for better focus and greater understanding of what are complicated and challenging issues. On ELL we have heard from the administration, class room teachers, and an independent expert. The group will now begin to turn this knowledge into recommendations for the boards consideration.
I hope this gives some insight and I hope as well others respond to your post.
Brian Joyce The West Side
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