Placing a Value On Education

How does per pupil spending translate to success?  How do we make sure our schools have what they need, especially in these tough economic times?  What is truly needed to support a great school system for D6?

Our local school District 6 is facing another year of funding reductions and is looking for ways to cut around $6 million from the budget.  The district asked for a 16 mill property tax increase in 2009 and was rejected by 66% of the voters.  There is little doubt they will ask again as they continue to face decreasing funding.

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*Data from Colorado Department of Education School Finance Page and does not include grants awarded to the district

Being more involved in our District 6 has opened my eyes to the budgeting process and funding challenges and the difficulty in trying to meet the needs of the district.  From a business perspective I cannot begin to image the difficulty in long-term planning and execution with the way districts are funded.  From a parent perspective I am frustrated by the reduction in programs such as Gifted/Talented and large class sizes.  From a taxpayer perspective I am skeptical of paying more in taxes and feel it will never be enough.

In short: a difficult and messy funding scenario + a bad economy + rising employee expenses such as PERA - no mill tax increase = frustrated Parents and Community Members, Board members, School Administrators and Teachers.

When 87% of our district expenses go towards Teachers we are talking about financial management in 3 areas 1) Salaries, 2) Benefits and 3) A mill tax increase.

Why only these three things?  Simple - other programs do not make a big enough dent to sway the financial issues.  Go after sports.  Go after art and PE.  Get rid of Assistant Principals.  It won’t make any difference.  Look it up or ask for the info.  “Low hanging fruit” are low single percentage points at best in terms of the overall general fund.  You think D6 has a bad rap now?  Try eliminating these ancillary programs and see how we’re viewed.  Please don’t, I’m not daring you.  Really.

To adequately fund this district without a tax increase you are talking about reducing the number of teachers and/or reducing the benefits provided to teachers.  Our teacher to student ratio will climb.  Good teachers will be less likely to come to Greeley because of non-competitive pay or benefits (aka we’ll be the employer of last resort).  Could we do a few things to improve the benefits expenses?  Sure.  And it is on the table for review.

So what is the solution?  We are Greeley.  We are not Fort Collins or Windsor.  We are a more diverse and needy district in comparison to the competing districts.  We don't have the stores, art scene, etc. but we are a community.  A community of hard working people who care and in general, like our little town.  As much as we want to compete with other districts we do have to remember who we are and what makes us different.  So let’s think differently:

1. Create a sustainable district funding structure not just for the long term.  Focus the money on teaching our children in core and fun, creative ways.  Do not ask for a mill tax increase to fund transportation and security.


2. Set a few high reaching goals that everyone can buy into and focus squarely on them.  Improve the leadership in all areas of the district (including you, Community!).  Find the balance in everything we attempt to do.


3. Bring in outside help to ensure our huge district of 2,300 employees is functioning efficiently and report the findings.  I would hope there would be well-versed local business leaders ready and willing to provide their insights to the district.


4. Strive to develop a fun and interesting curriculum.  Be different and try different things.  Don’t be so beholden to CSAP and other test measurements.


5. Put firm disciplinary policies in place (or enforce ones currently in place).  Reduce or eliminate the noise from the bad kids (not trouble makers mind you, the bad kids).  No cell phones and iDistractions.  Make them pass notes!

I love it here.  I hope you do too.  So let's improve it.  Not necessarily with dollars, but with commitment, involvement and understanding.