Do list members feel that they understand how the Saint Paul schools spend existing funding? Are there things we could do better with the dollars we have?
1) Do list members feel that they understand how the St. Paul schools spend existing funding?
Barely, but more than I understand how the Libraries, Public Works, or City Council spends its money. I don't think its reasonable for me to fully understand the school budget (I've tried). As I citizen, I can't reasonably attempt to fully understand how even a small portion of my tax dollars are spent.
However, as I walk around the schools and deal with district staff, I don't see unreasonable amounts of waste. I do see lots of very dedicated individuals doing really important work under very challenging circumstances. I do have a very good sense, that our district is being asked to do more with less money. Many of the "increases" in school funding have been shell games, giving with one hand while taking with another.
As a parent, its very clear to me, that schools are already doing more with less, but that its exacting a toll on the system. We cannot stretch the system indefinitely or it will break.
2) Are there things we could do better with the dollars we have?
I suppose. There is always room for improvement. But, there are also many things that we should be doing, that we aren't at all, because we don't have the dollars. We must also recognize that as public institutions, schools have a mission to serve everyone, even when at times its not very efficient.
The question about "could we be spending our money better" isn't always a very helpful question at a district level. I would suggest that a significant amount of "misspent" money, is money spent on things that the district is required by law to do.
As someone who deals with the district quite a bit, I think, I'm generally impressed with the work that is being done and the value that we are getting for our money. On the other hand, I'm unimpressed with the financial commitment that we are making as a society to fund education.
My question:
Why are education dollars so scarce?
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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