Keep That Budget Knife Sharp

U.S. Representative Cathy Castor has been extolling the virtues of the Obama stimulus package, even saying that Hillsborough Schools will receive its full share and survive MOE waivers. MOE wavers?

The below text is from the St Pete Times Gradebook blog:

At issue are what's called MOE -- or "maintenance of efforts" -- requirements. Those say states must maintain certain funding levels in education before they get more federal education money. Florida falls short there because of recent budget cuts, meaning its share of education stimulus is in jeopardy.

Castor thinks the Secretary of Education and the Senate will remove the MOE waivers and allow full educational funding for all states. Let’s hope she is correct.

But….even with full funding, the $84 million allotted to the Hillsborough district is a one time shot. It won’t happen again next year. Which means, after already making $100 million in budget cuts, Hillsborough can perhaps slow the process for the next year or so. Maybe. Some of the money is designated, so much of it will never go into general revenues and may never be spent according to local needs.

So the Knife Cannot Be Sheathed

As you can now see, this stimulus money, this windfall for education, is a band aid. A nice one, but just that. No new jobs will be created, existing jobs may last another year, no new projects can begin. And soon enough, with no economic upturn in site, another round of budget cuts must be projected.

Recently, the group of Hillsborough administrators met to discuss budget reducing recommendations. The recommendations offered ranged from sensible and worth discussion….to, to Dilbertesque. An example of three good ones: reduce school calendar to 180 days; postpone new textbook adoptions, review staffing ratios.

I wonder if CTA has had similar meetings and made suggestions to the Superintendent. From what I hear, though, is that CTA has no proposal, zip, and is waiting for the district to make a formal presentation for cuts. What a shame. After all, 90% of the annual district budget is instructional and instructional support salaries.

I have an idea, though. One that requires more personnel, more computers and office space, another supervisor, and a mega effort. How about exponentially expanding the grant writing office and generate another $100 mil in free money. And, actually treat it like a business--with employment tied to goals and success.

I hear $5--$10 billion is available in state, federal, and foundation pots each year. Let’s go for the gusto.

posted by admin @ 7:52 PM