Losing Focus

Tonight, the County Commission meets. 

Among the items for discussion:  The final school system budget.  This vote will end a months-long battle that included a nearly two-week delay of school.  The budget includes likely layoffs as the gap between what the Board of Education requested and County Commission funded started at over $7 million and ended up at just under $900,000.  This was due in part to accounting gimmicks by the Commission that shifted capital funds for schools into operating funds -- thus, no new money was added, but the funds were "repurposed."

Also on the agenda is a resolution encouraging the Board to eliminate 7 Focus Coordinator positions instead of laying off classroom instructors.  Since no layoffs have yet been made or announced, this vote may be premature.  Of course, the County Commission is certainly within their rights to recommend by resolution, but they can't dictate the school system's budget.

After tonight, when the budget is expected to pass, look for both bodies to continue the discussion about schools and funding. Or, to do more of the same and wait until next budget year for another crisis that could have been avoided.