As we come down to it, the money…isn’t there!
It isn’t there in a couple of ways.
First, the State is not delivering the “savings” back to the districts. The greybeards among us might recall that way back in, say, ought six, this was the very reason for “administrative consolidation.” But now the savings, where are they? Take a look at “New information shows SAD 9 pays more to consolidate” from Wednesday’s (Lewiston) Sun Journal.
An organizational school planning committee will review new financial information from the state Department of Education Thursday.
The new data indicates significant cost shifting with SAD 9 towns paying more than initially estimated and SAD 58 paying less, SAD 9 Superintendent Mike Cormier and SAD 58 Superintendent Quenten Clark both said Tuesday.
Second, a number of the letters the Education Commissioner is sending out to the RPCs (Reorganization Planning Committees) take their plans to task for failing to demonstrate savings.
Lots of plans and DOE responses here.
Follow me baby,
I’ll turn your money green,
I’ll show you more money
Than Rockefeller ever seen.
-Turn Your Money Green, Furry Lewis (1928)