Cecil County Public Schools - Budget

In the past, I haven't really said much about the Cecil County School Board. Mainly because of my personnel connection to the board (my wife is a board member). But I finally figured that it is time to speak up about an issue that is a sore point with most of the tax payers in Cecil County, the annual school budget. For years, we all have screamed that the school board just rubber stamps the budget that is placed in front of them by Dr Roberts, my voice was heard mixed in with the same crowd. I have to say now that my opinion has changed quite a bit.

This is the second year of the budget process for my wife Donna. To most, the board members just meet about the budget 4 or 5 times and vote yes because it is assumed of them. I see a completely different process from my point of view. I can tell that it is budget season because suddenly my workspace in my office becomes cluttered with budget spreadsheets. Through time, this sheets fill up with Donna's scribbles, notes to herself on what questions to ask. Why did this line item go up, this one go down, what impact on not increasing a line item has? Why an increase in FTEs for this department, why a drop in this other department?

Just last night alone, she spent at least 3 hours pouring over details. She shoots off e-mails in attempts to obtain answers before the meetings. This scene gets repeated over and over during the budget process. Some have made comments that she is the quiet one on the board, it is not so, she just doesn't like surprise answers and will try to have her questions answered ahead of time. Donna has a BS in Mathematics/Programming and a BS in Accounting and the numbers speak to her. By the time she gets done, I can assure you, every line has been dissected in detail.

So you won't hear me complaining about the budget being rubber stamped by the board anymore. I can't speak for the other members, but if they spend the same amount of time that Donna does on preparation, you know it is a good budget.

And I am proud of the work that she has done and will continue to do.

Tim