I’d love to see a reporter go back and compare all the doom and gloom predictions made by Orange County school officials during budget negotiations with what actually has occurred.
Over the past several months there were constant cries about massive personnel and program cuts if the school system didn’t get “full funding” as it calls it — in other words, every single thing on its wish list.
Now comes this story from the News of Orange County. Check out what is really happening with the budget.
First, the tennis courts and track at Orange High will be resurfaced after all. Whew! Crisis averted on that one. How? According to the story (emphasis is mine):
The track was a concern because unlike the tennis courts, it would not get matching county dollars. However, by combing through recurring monies in the capital budget to find surpluses, and by dipping into the capital budget fund balance, the district was able to come up with money for the track and other capital projects.
Second, the system will indeed “lose” some of its full-time substitutes. Does this mean there won’t be enough subs? Of course not. The system will simply call additional subs as needed each day.
Third, the system indeed cut 7 custodial jobs. Four were vacant so the real loss is 3. However, according to the story (emphasis again is mine):
The cost savings of the cuts allowed the board to add some new elements to the budget, including two new ESL teachers, a counselor for Partnership Academy Alternative School, staff development money for bus drivers and a stipend for teachers pursuing their National Board Certification.
In other words, system officials prioritized their needs and wants. That’s a good thing. Problem is, just wait until next year. Undoubtedly there will be more cries of an impending crisis and we’ll be told that last year, they were forced to cut custodians and substitute teachers.
And by the way, looks like two Orange County schools have failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress requirements of the No Child Left Behind law.
