Board of Education Committee on Budget and Fiscal Accountability August 30, 2006

Presentation on the Department of Education Response to the 2006

Committee on Weights Recommendation for SY2007-08

Board of EducationCommittee on Budget and Fiscal Accountability

August 30, 2006

The Department wants to thank the Committee for … Its hard work and recommendations. Particularly recognizing

The need to provide future committees with analysis and recommendations

The benefits of a foundation allocation for all schools

That some school situations may not “fit” into a formula

The Department proposes …

Continuing the implementation of the current BOE-adopted WSF at the 15% implementation level for SY07-08

Applying the 2006 Legislature funds appropriated through Act 160, Section 47 to assist schools whose budgets are adversely affected by WSF


To implement the 2006 Committee on Weights recommendation regarding focused sustained analytical support for WSF

To develop a formula based on Level of funding at successful schools of

various sizes Level of funding necessary to provide

adequate educational opportunities Appropriate adjustments for small, rural, and

unique schools


To increase the level of principal and teacher input to discussions regarding WSF

Present the new formula to the 2007 Committee on Weights in Spring 2007

Provide the Board of Education with the recommended formula in Summer 2007

The Department’s proposal recognizes …

The current BOE-adopted WSF changes the status quo per Act 51 Schools are experiencing greater flexibility Response to enrollment changes Budget and accounting changes

This is just beginning the journey

WSF is not happening in a vacuum


The need for focused sustained attention to analyze and evaluate WSF implementation data on Staffing and school operations Student access to programs and supports Unique school circumstances

The need for additional funding for weighted student characteristics

The need for a supportable request for additional funds

The Department’s proposal recognizes … The students’ need for “getting it right”

The schools’ need for Predictability Stability Logical Allocations Time to adjust

The need for transparent resource allocations


The need for weighting for students with these characteristics

Economically disadvantaged ESLL Transiency Gifted and Talented


Funds currently in WSF are appropriate for inclusion in WSF

Placing additional funds into the WSF will require analyzing programs that are not available to all schools

The Department goal is to …

Ensure that recommended changes to the WSF are based on analysis and evaluation of local data and sound research

Implement changes in a purposeful, mindful, and deliberate manner so as to not needlessly disrupt school operations

Verify changes improve system quality and student achievement

Board of Education Committee on Budget and Fiscal Accountability August 30, 2006

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Transcript of Board of Education Committee on Budget and Fiscal Accountability August 30, 2006