- Budget Adjustments, 2012/13 Expenses
- Transportation Survey
- Middle School Schedule Changes
- STE(A)M discussions
- Should we cut deeper? If so, where?
- Should we outsource the transportation? Why? Why Not?
- Does changing schedules really make sense? Why? Why Not?
- Do we really want another Magnet in RAS? Why? Why Not?
Well, how did it turn out? has RAS been able to teach "critical thinking skills" to ITSELF yet?
ReplyDeleteJ. Ewing
I attended a yr end Tennis banquet, so I am anxiously awaiting to see if a video will be posted...
ReplyDeleteRAS Board Pg
Speed or Numbers Guy,
Did you attend? Thoughts on the topics?
Since RAS has not posted anything yet and my District readers are quiet, I'll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteAs summarized in the RAS benefit/risk document, there could be an upside to opening the STEAM school. It could pull some additonal students into the District or keep some from leaving. And don't fool yourself that this is not too important.
Additional Heads = Additional Funding to cover the relatively fixed Overhead.
G2A Why Pay More
On the other hand I am still concerned that opening a unique school that does not match anything else in the district will simply drive as many or more unique costs as the additional funding it brings in.
Also, I am concerned that the RAS personnel need to focus all of their efforts on improving results with their current offering. (ie close achievement gap by raising scores of low performers) I enjoy new and exciting things as much as the next guy, but first I think RAS had better make sure the core is solid. I think many would say there is still room for improvement.
Finally, it seems to me that some in RAS mgmt are against intra-district transfers. If they are, how would one rationalize opening a unique school that may pull even more students from the local schools.
And by the way, RSIS has shown us that typically it is the financially secure highly involved Parents that typically move to the magnets. (and yes... ZLE benefits from Intradistrict transfers) I guess it is better than if they left the district, but it definitely doesn't do any favors for the local schools.
Well it looks like we won't get any audio or video, but here are the minutes.
ReplyDeleteFrom the tone, it sounds to me like Supt Sicoli is still a proponent of STE(A)M. I kind of assumed that, since he has usually said he thinks Magnets are a good idea.
I was only surprised because someone had commented that they felt STE(A)M was losing support due to the high priority on closing the gap. I guess we will find out on Dec 5th...
As for Transportation, I think the outsourcing of it should be delayed for now if they can make the savings happen. I am only frustrated that it took this benchmarking to identify that something needed to change. And curious if the potential service cuts were part of outsource firm proposals. (ie apples to apples)
ReplyDeleteI think outsourcing transportation should be part of a bigger plan which would include a major reduction in the District's foot print and capital reqts.
That being when they sell off the whole ESC facility and bus garage. So much building and property for a district with ~11,000 kids... Maybe it made sense when the district had ~30,000 kids and a lot more schools. Seems a bit excessive for our current state.
A side thought: Maybe the District could benchmark outsourcing the other positions and functions??? I wonder what savings they could find???
I am working on the video I shot with NWCT camera. Hope to have on YouTube soon (end of weekend?)
ReplyDeleteMy take is that there is still too much money being left on the table regarding transportation. Difference between out-sourcing and in-house is $600,000 annually. That much money in classroom for education gap would help??
Magnet school is split I think. Again based on cost taken from other areas for 10 years (total payback period)??