September 12, 2006

Over the last week we have received numerous e-mails (see sample posts: Parent Post 1 and Parent Post 2) in regards to the fundraising at the different schools. We started by reviewing what each elementary school was asking for to run their schools (see Fundraising Part I).

So we now know how much each school is asking for let’s try and figure out were the money is going. First we need to ask why isn’t the school board funding these items if they are categorized as operating expenses? Secondly if the school board voted last night on the requested budgets, how do the principals know in advance they are going to have a budget shortfall on operating expenses? Lastly, is this money really earmarked for the schools operating expenses?

Understand that we would not be as cynical of these requests if certain principals had not spent money on interior decorators, paid to have murals painted on walls, purchased large screen televisions, purchased a leather couch and purchased blinds for offices. None of these articles are needed to educate our children. Isn’t there some kind of review board to oversee these purchasing decisions? Maybe we are wrong but shouldn’t the Superintendent and school board be reviewing these decisions to see that the money is spent wisely? Imagine how much ink, paper, and textbooks could have been purchased by the funds used to buy the aforementioned purchases.

Tomorrow we will post the conclusion on fundraising.

Parent Post 1 & Parent Post 2 >>

<< Fundraising Part I - The Numbers          Fundraising Part III - Approving Spending >>

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