Who Should Decide Where the Money Goes?

With $25 million for education still up for grabs the debate rages, who should decide where that money goes? Should it be allocated to programs by the Legislature? Or should each district decide where they could use the money best?

An education 'omnibus' bill has been written, combining numerous pieces of legislation (some of which already failed in committee) and spending the $25 million on programs of the Legislature's choosing. These programs include the raise for science and math teachers that failed in committee and the funding of a technology based program for preschool aged children. Education lobbyists have pressed instead for the $25 million to be added to the WPU (weighted pupil unit), resulting in each district deciding for themselves what would be best served. Some districts may apply the money to buses, reducing class sizes, aides, or technology.

The problem with an omnibus bill is that it is a mess of good and bad legislation. While I realize that time is running low on this session, that time should be spent on the 'good' rather than the lumped together. Every district in the state knows it's needs the best. Instead of more programs I would rather see an increase in the quality of existing teachers, schools, facilities and opportunities.