Municipal budgets, such as for our schools, are effectively a zero-sum game. Once a budget is allocated to our schools, when we shift money to fund one program, it comes at the cost of another program. Over the past week or so, quite a few interest groups have sprung up – Save Orchestra! Save Understanding our Differences! Save AP Chem! Save Kindergarten Aides!
Here’s the thing, to save any one of these will require cuts elsewhere. These pursuits are narrow and ultimately will divide our city. And frankly, these “Save efforts” are asking us to chase the Mayor’s red herring, which will in turn draw us into playing the wrong game with little possibility for success.
Instead, what I believe is a better game to play is to help the Mayor more effectively spend our money more broadly. All of it. As in the entire city budget. It’s still a zero-sum game – but at the city level, the pie is larger – and frankly a better way to demonstrate our community’s values. If you’re unhappy with the cuts to any specific program, I’d encourage you to look outside of NPS’s budget to the broader city budget.
Why in the world everyone is accepting the Mayor’s allocation to our schools as appropriate and sufficient is beyond me. I am a big believer in having a top-quality school system. Schools aren’t just about our kids – they are what draw people to a community – to create value in our homes – and thereby drive revenue for the city. The Mayor must do more for our schools.
Jonathon Swersey
