Re “How Elmont Reached the End of Exasperating Road”
I agree with Alan Elmont’s assessment of the School Board’s latest rendition of the Community Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC). Compared to the initial, parent-community driven committee in the middle of the last decade, this rendition isn’t even a rubber stamp of our School District’s latest actions.
Don't Speak Unless Addressed
Since spending on employees’ salaries and benefits amount to 80-85 percent of the District’s budget, one would think CBAC, the District's appointed budgetary advisory group, would be involved. As pointed out by Mr. Elmont, this is not the case. CBAC has not been kept abreast of the on-going negotiations nor asked for its perspective and advice on the impact of the agreed-to benefit increases and salary raises on the District’s future budgets.
CBAC members probably will see the new contract figures at the same time when it is released to the public – after it is basically written in stone and too late to have a say in the matter.
Looking Good
Having CBAC may help the District look good on paper, meeting some of its county or state requirements on engaging the public.
Is that reason enough to keep CBAC on the District's books?
Taking Back Control
My wife, Michael Laase, was on CBAC in its heyday when it met at least one a month, sometimes twice a month. The work they were doing was considered by the parents and community to be important. In the 2006-07 school year, the state started shorting education funding in order to “balance” its own budget. The School Board, at the time, realized it had already lost control over this community-driven committee when it requested CBAC to prioritize a list of District-suggested cuts. To the dismay of all the membership, the Board took this opportunity to put CBAC back in its place when it disregarded every prioritized suggestion CBAC made, reestablishing who was still in control.
Slow Death
That pretty much put an end to what was becoming a very vital community sounding board. CBAC was left to wither and slowly fade from view. It was only reinstated about a year and a half ago, but has only met sporadically over the last year.
Shadow Play
The School Board’s latest rendition of CBAC is merely a shadow of its former self. It is a sham still waiting for Board direction. I don’t blame Mr. Elmont (one of the pioneering members) for quitting. The question on the minds of a lot of previous members: Why did it took him so long?
Waste of Time
Either the new School Board gives CBAC members a meaningful direction or should just disband the budget committee altogether. Quit wasting members’ time. I am sure these members have more important things to do in their busy lives.
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
