Our Neighborhood Schools Need You: The Budget Battle (2024)

Our Neighborhood Schools Need You: The Budget Battle (1)

Our Neighborhood Schools Need You: The Budget Battle

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.






School fundraisers pushing students to sell ugly wrapping paper, chemically filled cookie dough, and magazines (that will only be used as doorstops) is no way to fund classrooms.

Funding of public education varies across the United States, as there is no "education system" in the nation. Schools receive funds through consumer taxes, income taxes, and property taxes. Grants, donations, and fundraisers also contribute to school funds. These monies are then regulated for use by various laws at the state, county, and local level. For example, federal and state politicians pre-determine how funds are spent in schools for such matters as special education. The remainder of monies is considered part of the general fund.

In California, and other states, the state is responsible for a significant amount of the education budget. 30% of education dollars in California are set aside for sixty categorical or restricted items, such as special education, adult education, after school programs, and many other programs. (Weston, Margaret. “California’s New School Funding Flexibility.” Public Policy Institute of California.) The other 70% of the education budget is derived from local property taxes, local taxes, and donations. Categorical funds ensure certain programs and items are paid for in schools, although restricts the ability of school board members to use funds in other ways to meet the needs of specific local student bodies and teachers.





Conflict arrises, especially in times of economic decline, falling property values, average daily attendance of students (ADA), cuts or changes to certain budget streams, changes in student population (number of newcomers, generational birth rates, home factors affecting learning), decrease in value of resources (oil, coal, timber, et cetera), and many other factors.

The following news article illustrates the rascally nature of politicians dealing with tax payer money and education funds.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul.

"In a bold move to make up for $49.5 million in tax revenues lost to the state earlier this year the County of Orange will grab $73.5 million in property taxes once destined for local schooldistricts, County Supervisors Chairman Bill Campbell said Monday.

Campbell said that state coffers, not the school districts, will suffer, because a state law mandates that it backfill the reduction in local revenue.

County employees who were scheduled to be laid off December 1 as a result of the county’s $49.5 million shortfall received an unexpected reprieve.

Prop. 98, which locks in a number of school funding formulas, requires the state to backfill the funding cut, said Campbell, who is board chairman.


'We believe the school districts will not be harmed by this action,' Campbell said.


Sundstrom will issue his annual estimates of tax allocations to local jurisdictions today, and they will include $73.5 million less for the county’s schooldistricts.

'Orange County taxpayers are going to be able to keep taxpayer money in the county to be spent on the county services they deserve to have,' Campbell said.


Orange County’s tactics are expected to find few fans in Sacramento, which is facing its own mid-year cuts to schools and other services.

'The county’s intended decision to withhold money owed to schools is not only misguided, but likely illegal,' said H.D. Palmer, spokesman for the state Department of Finance. 'We are considering all of our legal options in the event that the county attempts to carry out this action.'

'I sympathize with the County, and understand why it’s taking such aggressive action,' said Assemblyman Jose Solorio, who unsuccessfully tried to reverse the state’s money grab in September. 'But we really need to find a fair solution in Sacramento that works for the County, local schools and the state on an annual basis.' (Edds, Kimberly. “County to Grab $73 Million from Schools, Force State to Make up for It.” The Orange County Register.)





Properly funding education is complex and each neighborhood school varies in its needs and wants.

More transparency in the exact source, allocation, and use of funds in schools would be welcome to shed light on how tax payer funds are utilized.

In states, such as California, with a significant number of categorical funds, citizens, teachers, students, and other stakeholders must engage their representatives at every level of government about those categories and possible elimination of some or all restricted funds.

Overall, it takes active, robust, and interested citizens to ensure neighborhood public schools are properly funded. It is essential to ensure student needs are being met, there are limits on federal and state control of neighborhood public schools, politicians are held accountable (voted into or out of office), parents foster healthy children and scholarly behavior, school board members do not overreact by laying off teachers and slashing programs, and tax policies do not harm tax payers and students.






If you have a suggestion for the budgetary challenges of schools in our communities, please post below.



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Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-coin-1602726/

https://www.ocregister.com/2011/11/14/county-to-grab-73-million-from-schools-force-state-to-make-up-for-it/

Our Neighborhood Schools Need You: The Budget Battle (2024)

FAQs

How to answer the question why do you want to come to this school? ›

Instead, refer to specific details that explain why you want to attend that particular school. For example, you could make note of unique programs that stand out to you, your interest in research opportunities, or a desire to take classes from a certain professor.

How to answer the question "What can you bring to the school?"? ›

Music, sport, drama, speaking, dance, art are all skills you might bring. Also, an ability to get along with people, fairness, listening, compassion, leadership demonstrated in other areas.

Why are school budgets important? ›

The budget—and accompanying process—provides school districts and their leaders with an opportunity to justify the collection and expenditure of public funds. School budget resources come from a combination of local, state and federal contributions.

Why is funding important for schools? ›

Several years of sustained spending increases improved student outcomes. A robust body of research shows that across a variety of outcomes such as test scores, graduation rates, and college attendance, student performance improves with greater spending.

What makes students want to go to school? ›

We wanted to know what it was that got students to open up to new knowledge. They said great teachers, interactive classes, setting their own goals and having a genuine interest in a subject were all highly motivating.

What is the main purpose of a budget? ›

At the most basic level, a budget is a way to keep track of the money you are getting and the money you are spending. A budget is a great way to make sure that you can cover your expenses from month to month.

What is the purpose of a budget for kids? ›

Builds financial literacy.

Introducing budgeting early helps children develop a strong understanding of money management, including saving, wise spending, and setting financial goals.

How does lack of funding affect our local schools? ›

More funding ensures access to qualified teachers, stable learning environments, and other support services. However, in underfunded schools, students often must deal with large class sizes, fewer advanced classes, lack of resources, less experienced teachers, and, in some cases, no teacher at all.

How does lack of funding affect teachers? ›

With less money, schools often cut their school-wide technology and material budgets. Teachers and media specialists who have researched and asked for specific products or items will find that these will not be available for their use.

Does spending more money improve education? ›

A recent overview paper by Northwestern University's Kirabo Jackson and Claire Mackevicius combined the results of numerous prior studies. They found that on average, an additional $1,000 per student led to small increases in test scores and a 2 percentage-point boost in high school graduation rates.

Why do you want to attend this high school example? ›

Example: "One of the main reasons I am interested in attending XYZ High School is the tight-knit and supportive community I have heard about from current students and alumni. I believe that being a part of such a collaborative environment would enable me to thrive as a learner and as an individual."

Why do you want to participate in this program? ›

Growth opportunity: Describe how you believe this program will challenge you, help you grow, and provide the necessary resources to achieve your goals. Mention any personal qualities, experiences, or skills that make you a good fit for the program and how you plan to make the most of what it offers.

Why did you want to take this class? ›

Talk about your interests and how they influence your decisions. If you can give a specific instance or experience that led you to that decision, relay that experience. A personal story always creates a memorable impression. “I chose my course because the subject matter genuinely interests me.

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