Indiana

Ain?t No Surplus When It?s Gone*

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Okay, we all know that the state revenue forecast has Indiana in some pretty dire straits and Governor Mitch Daniels is calling for $300 million in cuts from education.   Now while some people may argue that the dark clouds have finally hit, I maintain there is a ray of  sunshine in all this.

Maybe, just maybe, we can use this opportunity to talk about consolidating the ADMINISTRATIVE,  NON-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION functions of schools.  I put that in all caps so there is no confusion as to what I’m talking about.   How many human resources, janitorial services, lunchroom cafeteria, supply purchase people does a school district need?  Couldn’t some of that be consolidated or outsourced?

And instead of laying off teachers, how about school districts share them to teach classes which they could not afford on their own?  And how about using the latest technology to teach multiple students in multiple districts.

This financial crisis is the perfect opportunity for educators to unlock their creative potential and deliver education in an effective and efficient manner.

Think of this as a teaching opportunity.

*My apologies to Bill Withers and The Capitol Steps.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on December 16, 2009 (boomark / email).