The Norwalk Board of Education voted 7-2 to increase the amount of money in its 2011-12 budget request to 4.25 percent over last year's budget. At the special meeting Tuesday night, school board member Jody Bishop-Pullan put forth a resolution to raise its budget request to the city to $156.7 million.
This request represents a nearly 1 percent increase over Superintendent Susan Marks's reluctantly recommended budget increase of 3.32 percent. "Our responsibility as a board is to advocate for what our district needs," said Bishop-Pullan, who discussed the proposal with Marks before the meeting. "We can't sacrifice the safety and education of our children." Before the meeting, several parents and community members expressed a similar sentiment and asked the board to not vote for the budget as it was initially presented.
"I agree 100 percent," said board member Steve Colarossi. "We need to be fiscally responsible but educationally sound." Board members Sue Haynie and Migdalia Rivas voted against the resolution.
School board Chairman Jack Chiaramonte said, "Nothing is set in stone until the city gives us their number." He was referring to the process in which the school board presents a budget request to the city. The Common Council then reviews the request and sets a 'cap' or limit for the city budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Estimation & Taxation then allocates that amount to city departments, including the BOE. Chiaramonte urged parents and community members to advocate for the schools at meetings of the Common Council and the BET.
Haynie who voted against the increase because she said the board's request should reflect the city's anticipated increase of 2 percent to 3 percent. "The city has told us what we would get."
Mark called herself a "practical" person and said that whether the increase was 3.32 percent or 4.25 percent, a budget shortfall remains. "Even in the best scenario, we are still going to have to roll up our sleeves and make reductions."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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Good story. A correction and two comments:
ReplyDeleteUnder our City Charter, the Common Council establishes an overall limit on spending, called the cap. It does not have authority to allocate funds to various departments. The Council is scheduled to officially establish a cap for next year on February 28. Every effort should be made to lobby the Council to settle on a spending limit that can provide sufficient funds for our students.
In contrast, the Board of Estimate and Taxation works within the spending framework set by the Council. It does have the authority to allocate funds to different departments. In fact, it has line item authority for every department, except the BOE. For the latter, it can only allocate a specific amount. Also, its total allocation can be less than the Council's cap permits. It is scheduled to officially review the BOE budget -- the one adopted last night -- on March 9. Again, every effort should be made to ensure that the BET allocates sufficient funds for education.
Two comments:
1. Although BOE members should do all that they can to form cooperative relationships with other city agencies, they are elected officials and are not subservient to any other city agency. They should not wait for a "number" from the BET, which is comprised of appointed officials, but should do the best they can representing their constituents, who happen to be the entire city.
2. I looked over Superintendent Marks' "non recommended" budget and, unlike past budget presentations, it did not seem to be padded. I had a few questions that Steve Colarossi answered via email, and I still have a few about Central Office staffing. But, all in all, last night the Board found itself on new and somewhat refreshing terrain -- in the sense that they were dealing with an honest document. I applaud Jody Bishop Pullan for taking the initiative, and the majority of the Board for doing the right thing. Let's just hope reason prevails.
We should all applaud the Board, Dr Marks and the entire community. The dialog, the transparency. Fantastic, doesn't even describe it. Now, lets see if the Counsel and the excutive listen to their constiuents. Do you think they hear ya all? Email,oped blasts anyone? You do have the power. Use it. Or the students will,lose out, (again).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification, Bruce. I will correct the story.
ReplyDeleteReduce the 40% of school spending in ADMINISTRATION.
ReplyDelete7:51, it appears no one is listening!
ReplyDeleteConsolidate CO jobs to save $$$$$$$$$
I am listening and I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteConsolidate or eliminate those who do not provide direct services to students. Some of that money can help pay for the elementary intervention aides and grade one aides both of whom help children each and every day.
So how do we get the BOE to listen and act on this?????????
ReplyDelete