From the Northwest Indiana Times:
Duneland officials are looking for three to five community members to advise the district on its budget.
The local chamber of commerce likely will help school officials identify business leaders familiar with the budgeting process, Superintendent Dirk Baer said.
The successful referendum will bring the district an additional $5.5 million a year for the next seven years.
The added community input into the budget will increase accountability, of course, but also could be a paradigm shift for school budgets. This is a chance for additional community leaders, not just the School Board, to make sure community values are reflected in how school funds are spent.
With private sector eyes involved in the process, the district is less likely to be accused of financial high jinks. And who knows, maybe the fresh perspective could spot something the school administrators have missed and help redirect additional resources to the classroom. Or maybe a closer look at the schools' budget could lead to pressure for school finance reform in the Indiana General Assembly.
This process could prove to be an education for those community leaders and for school officials alike.
Duneland is right to seek corporate leaders with budget experience to help put together the district's annual budget. Other districts should consider doing this, too.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-outside-input-on-duneland-s-budget/article_2d354244-d6f5-5849-adad-115fcab5b603.html
