My principal controls my budget amount(about $40/student). Fortunately we
both came on the staff the same year and he responded to request for more
by increasing the budget 65%. Since that time, it increased by cost of
living increments until the last two years (but now I have a backlog of
materials due to judicious use).
In Michigan, operating funds are now controlled by the state. All
districts will soon be receiving the same per pupil amount. We are a small
school (330 students)and there are not the efficiencies of a large school.
Many advanced classes are small, 9-12 kids, so we have been an
"out-of-formula" district spending more per pupil. Those days are over and
there is nothing but bad news in the forecast.
I have often been the recipient of end-of-year surpluses from other budget
lines. One year I got a new kiln. Another year there was money for a new
printing press. The principal emails for our requests which seem to be
considered on a first come-first served basis. I am always quick, and I
always have a request. "The squeeky wheel gets the grease" (although you
do have to be careful because sometimes the sueeky wheel is the first one
replaced).
The local art club donates $1500 a year to supplement the program as well.
I have a key and access (the alarm is off) to the building on all weekends
from 10:00 - 5:00, daily until 9:30, except for three holiday weekends.
This appears to be at the discretion of the principal (who is a great guy!).
Christa
At 10:46 AM 5/4/01 EDT, you wrote:
>I need information from the list on two issues. Our superintendent seems
to be listening to a point.
>
>First: In Massachusetts, how many of your art departments have a dedicated
budget that the principal cannot touch?
> How many have your budget at the descretion of the principal?
>
>Second:
>
>Anywhere in the country. Are you allowed access to your buildings when you
need it or are you locked out and at the whim of your principal as to when
you can work?
>
>I seem to be on two different committees and we are having trouble in
Framingham with these two issues.
>
>Thanks in advance for your information.
>
>Leslie in Massachusetts
>
>
>
>---
>
