The Minnesota Department of Education estimates that as much as $1.1 billion will be available from the federal stimulus package for Minnesota's education needs. This could be a welcome blessing for our students. Or, the politicians in Saint Paul could mess it up. Unfortunately, I fear the second result is more likely.
"We're glad to have it, but it's pretty much one-time money for ongoing needs," said Rep. Mindy Greiling, DFL-Roseville, and chairwoman of the House K-12 Finance Division. "It's a problem child, but we love all our children."
What?!? "One time money for ongoing needs"? How about one-time money for all of those one-time costs that get pushed back year after year because the budget barely pays teacher salaries, let alone staff and other ongoing expenses? I would bet that anyone who has set foot in a school within the last 5 years can name one time projects that would bring long term impact to our schools. Here is my short lists:
Update computer technology for teachers and staff to improve communications with parents and students. This could be adding text messaging to the existing automated voice notifications of truancy or schedule changes for sports teams or club activities.
Purchase new equipment for student groups (where there is a real need) like sound and lighting for theater, new van or trailer for sports teams and band equipment, a new kiln for the art department. There are a miriad of these seemingly secondary needs that could be addressed here.
Video conference equipment for colaborative learning, distance learning, community education.
The idea is that one time funding projects get pushed back time and again because there is no room in the budget. We have the money now, let's use it for all of those neglected one time costs.
