The Superintendent of the Cincinnati Schools recommended a budget for the 2007-2008 school year that is lower than the current budget by about $308 thousand dollars. This budget will mean that the Cincinnati Schools must continue to curb their spending, and direct the majority of the funds towards the educational basics: teachers, supplies and buildings. This budget focuses support on the Cincinnati Schools five year strategic plan. This plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Education in April. Cincinnati Schools believe that if they direct resources to the best teaching practices, then academic performance of students will improve. The budget also means the Cincinnati Schools need to balance a reduction in staffing.
The Cincinnati Schools made a commitment in 2004 that they would undertake efforts to lower costs dramatically, and to make sure staffing was in line with enrollment. Personnel cuts were made in the 2007-2008 General Operating Budget to make sure that this goal was accomplished. The new budget also reflects reductions in spending that are non-personnel related. It includes operational costs that the Cincinnati Schools made possible by closing two...