Fiscal Responsibility

By Shanda Le Boeuf

Voters should elect a school board who isn't afraid to ask the tough questions when it comes to the budget.

Perhaps the first issue to be addressed is that with the closure of Fort Ord, the district did not make the necessary budget adjustments needed to compensate for losing approximately 25 percent of its revenue. The board members did a disservice to the community by not exercising fiscal restraint in passing subsequent budgets.

Secondly, instead of the acting upon the initial response to a budget crisis by slashing programs, the district ought to consider all means of raising revenues; whether it be by selling off properties it is no longer using, or combining smaller schools with larger ones in order to save costs.

Finally, the district needs to have Trustees in place who are not afraid to ask the tough questions and who are not afraid to question the financial reports. Only by maintaining sound budgetary controls and strict vigilance can we assure our community and especially our children, that we are giving our best efforts to ensure their success.