The Wake Education Partnership is warning that the current economic climate could limit the new Wake County's school board majority's plans to change student assignment.
In this month's Topic Review that was released this morning, the WEP notes how the continued economic recession is forcing the school system to make budget cuts. The WEP says that "the current school board is forced to live with the financial realities and community expectations that have shaped past budget decisions."
"This is not to suggest the current board is handcuffed from making changes that can greatly affect many families," the WEP writes. "But taken as a whole, the financial realities facing Wake County will severely constrain the board's flexibility. It's a difficult time to be adding choices without removing services that are already offered."
If the current budget picture looks bleak, the WEP reinforces the warning that Chief Business Officer David Neter has been sounding for the past two years that it could get worse.
Wake could face an additional $35 million shortfall in 20111-12 unless something is done to replace federal stimulus money that runs out that year.
The new board majority will try to implement the community zone model in this grim fiscal era. The WEP notes that the board hasn't costed out how much the new assignment model could cost.
The WEP says the economic situation will "test" the board's resolve, noting how "concepts and plans are free, but all programs ultimately come with a price tag."
"Money does not dictate a school system's choices," the WEP writes. "It does define its realities."
Comments
The WEP says the economic
Wed, 06/09/2010 - 07:55 — woodstockThe WEP says the economic situation will "test" the board's resolve, noting how "concepts and plans are free, but all programs ultimately come with a price tag."
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This is a very curious comment. It seems to imply that the BoE should stick with the current failed status quo approach because it's cheaper. What the hell kind of thinking is that?
What is the purpose of WEP? What value do they provide and to whom do they provide it?
Financial relationship
Wed, 06/09/2010 - 01:14 — SDR256What is WEP's financial relationship with the board? I know that they receive funding via the student variety show (children working for a political group - very interesting) - but I thought that there was a certain amount of money given to WEP from the Board (our tax dollars) to 'support the board'.
Can anyone clarify this financial relationship?
Have you searched previous threads here?
Wed, 06/09/2010 - 07:54 — Dove314Have you searched previous threads here for the answer to your question? I don't remember the details but know this has been hashed and rehashed previously in a few threads including responses from Keung.