MARQUARDT: The budget simply needs to be broken down into needs and wants. "Needs" are the core
mission, as required by state statute - "wants " are specialty/technical classes, advanced classes,
extra-curricular activities and athletics. Class sizes and various student opportunities need to be logically
balanced against reasonable fee and tax levels.
mission, as required by state statute - "wants " are specialty/technical classes, advanced classes,
extra-curricular activities and athletics. Class sizes and various student opportunities need to be logically
balanced against reasonable fee and tax levels.
WILLIAMS: Be creative and diligent. Zero-based budgeting requires the district to build its budget from the
ground up each year and scrutinize/prioritize expenses vs. simplistically adjusting (too often increasing) each
budget item. I'd pursue all grants and contributions (e.g., business naming rights, sponsorships, etc.) that make sense and the community supports.
ground up each year and scrutinize/prioritize expenses vs. simplistically adjusting (too often increasing) each
budget item. I'd pursue all grants and contributions (e.g., business naming rights, sponsorships, etc.) that make sense and the community supports.
WEIGAND: As a businessman, I believe a balanced budget should be achieved regardless of the economic times. The question becomes, "How do we arrive at the balanced budget? Raise taxes or cut expenses?"
CORAZZI**: The board must always make near-term decisions with a longer-term perspective in mind, which has not always happened. Needs of all stakeholders (students, taxpayers and teachers) must be considered and balanced. An effective leadership team should continually look for ways to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of all resources.
VAN EERDEN**: I have made decisions based upon knowledge of school finance, input from stakeholders, and present and future needs of the school district.
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE.
RAKOWSKI: We need a budget that reviews all current and potential financial requirements to meet the educational needs of our students to compete in a world class environment, to be within our ability to pay.
ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.
