Supposedly only a third of the Stimulus Money has gone out, but we need more quickly

[Winterblues]

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/031010/loc_580934391.shtml
Juneau may limit money for schools in 2011, 2012
District faces 'funding cliff' as federal stimulus money begins to dry up
<snip>
The district estimated its 2012 funding request at $26.5 million. In 2012, the maximum allowable amount is estimated at $25.8 million.
The school district is facing a "funding cliff" in 2012 as it reaches the end of its stimulus money - $1.8 million in 2011. Board members pointed out that in budget deliberations last year, the board raised the student to teacher ratio by eliminating 10 teaching positions.
This year, the district reduced middle school intervention money by $80,000 and is "struggling" to find the money to
• implement the technology plan as written by SERRC (Southeast Regional Resource Center);
• replenish consumable supplies;
• replenish consumable computer supplies as the district upgrades its technology, and
• replace its long term equipment on a replacement cycle.
The district estimates it will need to reduce its budget at least $600,000 and as much as $800,000 in 2012.

[hughee99]

1. Perhaps if the money doesn't get released until October or even 2012

it will have an impact on the elections. Whoever is seen to have "delivered" this money will be at an advantage.

[AllentownJake]

2. Well you do understand some of that money can't be released "right now"

If you set up a program to retain teachers for two years, or to provide states with two years of shovel ready projects, you essentially have the effect of employing people for a short period of time. Releasing the money, "right" now either means an explosion of hiring followed by an explosion of firings or giving people advances.

As for the states education budget problems, they have less tax revenues and don't have a federal reserve and Treasury that can do the things that the Federal Reserve and Treasury does to finance a very large deficit.

[Vincardog]

3. How much are they spending on their School Board members and how much SB salary is cut?