2006-2007 MMSD Budget Comments

Jason Shepherd writing in the December 29, 2005 Isthmus:

• Superintendent Art Rainwater: says the "most frustrating" part of his job is knowing there are ways to boost achievement with more resources, but not being able to allocate them. Instead, the district must each year try to find ways to minimize the hurt.
• Board member Lawrie Kobza wants the board to review its strategic plan to ensure all students are being challenged with a rigorous curriculum.
• Carol Carstensen, the current Board President says the "heterogenous" groupings, central to the West controversy (English 10, 1 curriculum for all), will be among the most important curriculum issues for 2006.
• Ruth Robarts is closely watching an upcoming review of the district's health insurance plans and pushing to ensure that performance goals for Rainwater include targeted gains for student achievement.
• Johnny Winston says he'll continue to seek additional revenue streams, including selling district land.

Read the full article here.

With respect to funding and new programs, the district spends a great deal on the controversial Reading Recovery program. The district also turned down millions in federal funds last year for the Reading First Program. Perhaps there are some opportunities to think differently with respect to curriculum and dollars in the district's $329M+ budget, which increases annually.

Teacher Barb Williams offers her perspective on the expensive Reading Recovery program and the district's language curriculum.

Board Candidate Maya Cole offers her thoughts on Transparency and the Budget

Posted by Jim Zellmer at January 1, 2006 5:34 PM
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