My Lesson Plan

Make affordability one of our District’s stated goals

Articulate specific budget reduction goals for this year
Set a savings goal and work to achieve it
Create a Fine-Tooth Comb committee to identify short-term savings

Launch efforts now to achieve future spending reductions
Spearhead efforts to achieve significant long-term savings, such as cooperative efforts with neighboring communities

Represent taxpayers of all ages and income levels
Of all ages: seniors, people who don’t have children, parents, everyone
Of all income levels: those on fixed incomes, working class, middle class, affluent

Change communication patterns
Bring more people in conversation: seniors, teachers, people on fixed incomes,  people without children, and parents
Try new things: web forums, senior outreach, community forums, table outside the A&P, etc.

Leverage community talent
Foster community engagement: creative thinking is one of our community’s biggest assets.

Stop equating higher spending with greater educational value.
If there is any proof that more spending results in better schools, I’d like to see it. The relationship between spending and quality is being debunked in medical care, and it should be challenged in education as well.

Stop trying to keep up with neighboring affluent suburbs
Can’t we create a more compelling vision than an affluent homogenous suburb? What about community values, economic, generational and racial diversity? The best lesson for our children is that we can shape our lives and our community.

Click on comments to describe what YOUR lesson plan would include.

Posted by Jane Cody 9/20/09
Opinions represent those of the poster.