Stan Geiger

TPS: New Start Times Equal Less Money

Tulsa Public Schools wants to change start times for some schools in the coming year. Superintendent "I Wear a Rug" Ballard says the move would save about $400,000 through the elimination of bus routes.

I'm having a lot of trouble getting my head around this one. I mean how does making kids show up for work 10 minutes earlier eliminate the need for bus routes? Perhaps someone could enlighten me.

Putting that point aside, why is saving 400 large such a big deal? Last I saw it reported, TPS' annual budget exceeds a quarter of a billion dollars. That district looking to cut 400 grand is like me lopping a buck a year off my electric bill.

Assuming there is a need to cut a thin slice off the budget, a lady interviewed by KOTV put the head of the hammer on the nail. She said the district should look to cut administrative costs. Oh, me doeth thinks I'm in love!!

If the district needs to cut, let it cut that which goes to fatheads that do nothing.

As a matter of fact, I think I can get rid of about 400 grand in district spending in one swipe of the pen: Send out a memo that says no educators get free vacation trips this year. Done deal.

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