Matt,
The budget that exists for our schools is about 94 % to 96% people oriented. It is teachers, ea's, ta's, janitors, office workers and administration. It has always been this way. Everything else comes from what's left. That is equipment, supplies, teaching aids and books. A few years ago a major push was made for computers in classrooms and computer labs now there is very little or no money for update and repair of this vital resource.
Can money be spent better? That depends on an individuals perspective. I have spent a good amount of time looking at the budget and believe this is a frugal district. We should always look for efficiencies but usually the argument over what can be cut back or eliminated boils down to which programs are least used.The program or service may only benefit a small fraction of total students but it is meeting a need. St. Paul has already had to deal with 50 million dollars in cuts. There is nothing left but higher class size and the elimination of programs if the State does not come up with a good 4 to 5 percent in each of the next two years and then an annual adjustment for inflation there after.
The best way to advocate is write and call your legislators. Join groups like NEAT and the Parents United Network add your voice to the many already fighting for quality education.
Brian Joyce
West Side
----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Flory" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 10:24 PM
Subject: [StPaul] Scarce Education Dollars
It seems like a strong case for more state dollars would be grounded in a strong understanding of how current dollars are spent and the gaps that remain when those dollars are gone.
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?
How can we be better advocates at both the state and local level?
Matt Flory Mac Groveland
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