We need to make sure that the school budget is focused directly on improving teaching and learning. We need to spend money where it will have an impact on teachers and assistant teachers who work directly with students. What programs and personnel are making the most difference? Gathering data and developing plans for students is essential, but so is judging the results. If these programs are not working, we must redirect the money. The School Committee needs members who have background in education and can rigorously evaluate these plans and programs.

The budget has grown by less than 3% over the past 3 years. This pattern can’t go on, however, as expenses have gone up by more than 3%. We are now looking at a budget deficit. The School Committee must work with the City Manager and be fiscally responsible. The new School Committee needs to be ready to face this challenge.

The proposed budget for 2008-9 is $130,704,170, and we face a budgetary gap of almost $3,000,000. There have been several budget sub-committee meetings, and we decided on 5 Guiding Principles for the budget:

• School program structure and small class size are maintained;

• Special Education Services are supported and improved;

• Effectiveness of program will drive funding decisions;

• The importance of collaboration among community partners in raising achievement for all is recognized;

• Continuation of effective summer programs is maintained.

These are the 3 questions I hear the most….

1. Why do we spend so much money?

2. Why do we spend so much money on Central Administration?

3. What exactly is spent in Central Administration?

Here is what I found out….

1. Why do we spend so much money?

• CPS pays for maintenance unlike some other school systems
• Smaller schools and class sizes (Brookline has 9 K-8 schools and
• Cambridge has 11 K-8 schools and 1 K-6 school)
• Increased teacher training
• No fees for sports and transportation
• No cuts in library, art, music, and sports
• Low and no-cost CPS summer programs
• Free full day kindergarten from age 41/2
• Increased CPS pre-school options
• School choice program means more transportation and the need for a Family Resource Center

2. Why do we spend so much money on Central Administration?

I found out that in 2002-3 there were 82 administrators and now there are 67, a 17% reduction.

Here are those 67 administrators:

• 12 – Elementary Principals
• 12 – Assistant Elementary Principals
• 5- CRLS RSTA and HSEP Principals and Assistant Principals
• 8 CRLS Deans (4 Deans of Students/4 Deans of Curriculum)
• Athletic Director at CRLS
• K-12 Math Coordinator
• K-12 Science Coordinator
• K-12 Language Arts Coordinator
• K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Director
• K-12 Health and Physical Education Director
• Library Director
• Bilingual Director
• Guidance Director
• Special Education Director
• Assistant Special Education Director
• Family Resource Director
• Superintendent
• Deputy Superintendent
• Executive Director of Student Achievement and
• Accountability
• Director of K-12 Student Achievement
• Chief Financial Officer
• Finance Director
• Coordinator of Purchasing and Finance
• Human Resources Director
• Assistant Director of Human Resources
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Technology Officer (MIS)
• Security
• Director of Public Information
• Food Services Director
• Transportation Director
• Maintenance Director
• Legal Counsel
• Director of Affirmative Action

3. What exactly is spent in Central Administration?

• Office of Special Management and Supervision Total - $1,318,107
• Grants Development Total – 126,653
• Purchasing Total – 233,152
• Accounting and Budgeting Total – 352,585
• Payroll Total – 353,523
• Accounts Payable Total – 211,903
• Public Information Total – 260,177
• Research and Assessment Total – 41,989
• Human Resources Total – 879,252
• Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Total – 271,132
• Chief Operating Officer Total – 305,985
• Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer Total – 305,985
• Legal Services Total – 312,842
• Superintendent – School District Management Total – 501,576
• Student Achievement and Accountability Total – 485,366
• School Committee Total 424,515
• Affirmative Action Total – 424,515
• Family Resource Center total – 355,889
• Plant Maintenance/Operations (Thorndike Street Operations) Total – 223,607
• Custodial Operations (Thorndike Street Operations) Total – 62,040

TOTAL CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION - $7,190,401
TOTAL IN SCHOOLS - $92,367,204
TOTAL CURRICULUM SUPERVISION - $3,521,727
TOTAL MAINTENANCE, SECURITY, COMPUTER SERVICES and TRANSPORTATION - $11,070,977
TOTAL SPED & VOCATIONAL TUITIONS - $7,993,777
TOTAL DEBT SERVICE - $2,919,340
TOTAL SYSTEMWIDE ACCOUNTS - $5,640,745

If we know where the money is going, then we can work together to make sure it is going to improve the achievement and enrichment of all students.