School funding is very complicated and I don’t for a minute pretend that I understand even a small percentage of it. I do, however, know that much of the money allotted for schools is strictly regulated and most money delivered to the schools comes with a TON of restrictions. In other words, schools aren’t just given a pot of money and told, “Spend this where you need it.” They are given specific funds with specific purposes and told to make do in areas of shortfalls.
In researching this column, I came upon a very nice article attempting to explain the complicated rules of a school budget written by none other than Dr. Mike Jorgensen. Those interested could read the same article at http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/512710/Welcome-to-School-Finance-101.html?nav=5089. Dr. J did a good job explaining how compartmentalized a school budget is and how hard it is to balance one.
This complicated compartmentalization of funds is why—as wrong as it may seem—that schools can build multi-million dollar facilities and look into purchasing state-of-the-art heating systems—and at the same time can’t afford to keep the school fully staffed with qualified teachers. Many Iowa schools (include Southeast Webster Grand) received BUNCHES of money each month from the LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX or LOST. This money cannot be used for staff, salaries, textbooks, or supplies. It can only be used for facilities. In other words, a school can build a new addition that includes a brand, spanking new library, vocal room, and art room—but can’t afford to have full-time teachers staff any of said rooms.
Never fear, Terry Branstad and the rest of you politicians that tend to make these silly rules that govern school spending—I have a solution for this dilemma. I am sure that Governor Branstad is actively looking for ways to help schools since he is refusing to consider even a cost-of-living increase in their upcoming budgets. I am sure he feels just terrible that good teachers are being let go because of his zero-growth idea. Lucky Terry—he and other politicians need look no further than this column for the solution to their school budget problem—or at least a partial solution, which is better than anything they are proposing now.
I propose that some of the strict rules regarding how school funds can be spent be loosened until this current budget crisis passes. For example, I propose that a percentage of LOST funds can be used to hire teachers to staff all these new facilities that are being built. Just as funds specified for special education can be used to buy a color printer or even a school bus that that ALL students (including students with special needs) can use, there’s gotta be a way that the substantial amount of money that comes from LOST can be used in ways that really benefit the students, rather than more new buildings.
Not that I’m not a fan of new facilities. I think the idea of a new community gym in Dayton is interesting. I’m simply saying that the most important things to consider in education are PEOPLE—not places. I know a whole lot of learning went on in the old Burnside building, even though it was decrepit.
I know from taking and teaching on-line courses that most students learn more from a real, live, qualified teacher than from a computer screen. Yet, schools are forced to look for more and more “creative” ways to save money and online courses (including my personal favorite: “Public Speaking” on line) are one popular avenue. I don’t think anyone in his/her right mind really believes a computerized public speaking course is as good as a live one (heck, the speaking isn’t even really PUBLIC, now is it?)—but it is much cheaper than hiring a good speech teacher.
Statistics consistently show that schools that employ a certified teacher librarian scores higher on standardized tests. However, more and more Iowa schools are choosing not to do this because of lack of funds. Eliminating the librarian is a relatively painless way to cut salary costs as it doesn’t eliminate a program like carpentry or music. So, when the librarian retires, the school chooses not to replace him/her—at least not with another certified teacher librarian. Sometimes they bring in an aide or a paraprofessional and sometimes they simply close the library. Either way, it is the children than lose in this situation. Wouldn’t it be nice if a portion of the LOST funds could put a librarian in all those shiny, new libraries?
I am proposing a letter-writing campaign to all public officials from the county to the national level that urges more flexibility in school finance—at least until this nasty recession weakens. LOST seems to be the easiest place to begin. I’m going to send a few emails right now. Join me?
