‘It’s your money’ should be every school boards’ mantra

Rod Wielkie

Submitted photo/Rod Wielkie

OPINION — A simple principle should guide every entity’s vote on how to spend public funds: It’s your money. That principle matters because taxpayers entrust school boards with funds to educate students, support staff, maintain buildings and keep schools safe. Fiscal responsibility means spending wisely.

My years in government, and later inside a classroom, taught me that government can do good things, but also how easily a large organization can treat a budget as money to spend.

That is why consultants, programs, contracts and initiatives deserve careful scrutiny. Some may be worthwhile, but a polished presentation should never justify taxpayer spending.

Before approving a major expenditure, a school board should ask what problem it solves, what it will cost, whether existing resources can be used, how results will be measured and, most importantly, whether it will improve student learning.

Those questions matter in practical ways. A teacher should not pay personally for basic classroom supplies while large sums go to initiatives whose educational value remains unclear.

The same standard should apply to results. Spending alone cannot measure success. Students need a foundation for college, a trade, the military or work. If a district buys a program, technology or consultant services, there should be evidence it worked. Student performance must be part of that evaluation.

That accountability matters because public education has legitimate needs, but taxpayers face pressures of their own. Government should never forget where public money comes from.

Ultimately, a school system’s purpose is not to run programs or buy the newest product. It is to educate students and prepare them to succeed. That is why we should ask questions, expect results and spend where it matters. Before approving the next consultant, program, contract or initiative, remember: It’s your money.

Rod Wielkie is a retired federal agent, military veteran and former middle school social studies teacher. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to  azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.