One good way to cut expenses is to hand out thumb drives instead of laptop computers. There are computers in the schools and MOST of the students or their families have computers AND internet at home.
Another way is to eliminate "PAID SUSPENSIONS". If a teacher or other administrator is suspended as a discipline, why pay them. That only makes it more inviting to mess up. It's more paid vacation.
citizen-too
I did not read anything about passing out laptops to students in the article. Security issues might trump the thumb drive idea.
As for suspensions with pay, you must be referring to the New York City "rubber room" for suspended teachers awaiting their hearings. I had a good laugh over that. I'm not aware if there are any "rubber rooms" at SDoL.
As for the budget, I don't know how you can draw up a budget not knowing what resources you will receive from the state. That's a real toughie. Any property tax hike is a real headache for all homeowners in the city. It certainly drives away many potential homebuyers who might love the city life. So unfortunate...when will school property taxes be outlawed? There has got to be a more equitable way to finance the education of our children.
