There was an IMPORTANT MEETING last night I couldn't go to. Thankfully I could count on LIL" LORI to let me know what I missed!
Here's a link to a video explaining the breakdown of Chapter 70 funding to local school districts. Worcester and Newton are used in the example given. Lynn's figures are actually $11,089 foundation, $2,709 local contribution, $8,380 Chapter 70 and I believe only $6 in additional local contribution. Unfortunately, the state distributes the Chapter 70 money to local districts that can then do pretty much whatever they want with these funds. I can tell you that in all the examples given during the presentation for uses of Chapter 70 funds, administrative raises was NOT among them. I've said it before......The problem with LPS is not necessarily a lack of funds, but rather the misuse and mishandling of funds once we receive them. The Governor's proposal was mentioned during the presentation. Unfortunately, even if the proposal passed and Lynn received more money from the state, I don't think we would see a significant improvement, if any, because of the way our current administration and school committee chooses to spend the funding we get.
http://www.massbudget.org/multimedia.php?ref=PcqrXFOmdwY#video
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ReplyDeleteOf course, the way our current administration and school committee chooses to spend the money is not the only issue. According to the presenters, "Because the state has not updated its education funding formula to reflect districts' real health insurance and special education costs, the amount of aid being provided to cover those costs is too small. To compensate, many districts end up using money that would otherwise have supported core education programs—including Regular Ed. Teachers, Materials & Technology, and Professional Development." I believe he mentioned the formula and calculations the state uses is still based on the student population and needs from the early 90's.
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