School aid higher than expected
The Janesville School District will receive $150,006 more in state aid than expected this year. The school board will be asked what it wants to do with the extra money.
The general aid amount announced by the state Department of Public Instruction on Thursday is nearly $68.8 million.
The school board approved the budget Tuesday without knowing the precise amount of state aid. The budget used an estimate that, it turns out, was $150,006 less than the actual aid amount.
The overage might seem like a pittance in an operational budget of $144 million, but district CFO Keith Pennington said it’s much better than receiving less than expected.
For a full story, read Friday's Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com.
Oct 16, 2009 at 5:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Pete, we are not experiencing inflation this year, but deflation. It actually increases the value of the dollar (it also increases the cost of holding debt, though). Inflation has not been a significant worry for numerous years now because of aggressive Federal Reserve monetary policy.
Oct 16, 2009 at 1:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Pete,
Let's stay on subject don't give me your Republican Socialism is coming talking points PLEASE!
.
The point is, today, $ does impact a true quality education.
Oct 16, 2009 at 11:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Pete,
I want to agree with you but today, in the age of technology I just cannot.
.
The kids attending schools with money to spend on modern technology have a real advantage. It may not show in test scores but when they enter the real world it will make a real difference.
.
I guess this all depends on how you judge a quality education.
If the students ability to fill in dots correctly on a state mandated test is your measurement than yeah, no money is needed.
If you judgement is based on a true, well-rounded education that allows a student to leave high school with a wealth of experiences so he/she can choose a profession that he/she will excel at and enjoy...than money is part of that.
.
Things like electives is where the money is often spent. If all you want is for your kid to take some history classes (social studies example) and ace the WKCE it won't cost much. But if you want courses like Polical Science, Civis, Economics, Social Issues, and a variety of world history/culture courses taught there is a difference in price. The more electives the more teachers, the more materials the more $$$.
.
So the question is do you want a WKCE education in Janesville or a quality education in Janesville?
Oct 16, 2009 at 8:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
What's with the $6 extra dollars?
$150,00(6)?
Oct 16, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
You need to understand how Wisconsin funds its schools.
Unless the District was planning to underlevy, this is not "extra money" to spend.
The way the revenue limit works is that when you get $150,006 more in state aid, you get $150,006 less in property taxes-if the District was using its full levy authority.
The total revenue from property taxes and state aid cannot exceed the revenue limit.
Oct 16, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
Good news sure doesn't get much traction around here.
Oct 16, 2009 at 7:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ask Mr. BS. He seems to have all the answers for this school board and district. I'm sure he has some great ideas that have nothing to do with teachers or what is best for students.
Oct 16, 2009 at 6:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Spend it of course, they would not want to use it to reduce debt.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.