On Sept. 13 the Ocean Beach School District Board of Directors held a regular work session. Superintendent Amy Huntley, addressing the budget for the next school year, reported that the board would be required, by law, to present a balanced budget for that period, instead of the deficit budgets submitted to the state for the past two years.

Discussion then followed regarding cost-saving efforts that could be made, to achieve that balanced budget. According to Huntley, due to personnel costs that exceed the “Prototypical Model” (Huntley’s term) “…closing a building was a strong option that would save on personnel costs.”

Rather than close elementary schools, “Huntley recommended instead possible consolidation of the middle and high schools….” These two schools were consolidated in 2008, when “…the district enrollment was right where we are currently.”

It does seem reasonable, if the district is actually spending more money than they are taking in, to consider alternatives. However, according to my information, the district has actually seen growth in the General Fund for the past four consecutive years. So for the past two years we have presented the state with a budget proposal indicating a net loss in funds — a deficit budget — and at the end of the year, we have actually seen an increase in our General Fund.

Rather than closing a school, the district could actually utilize the “unexpected” windfall(s) in the General Fund to offset expenses, while they find other ways to economize.

Our kids aren’t a commodity, to be shuffled about at the convenience of whomever is in charge of the school district. The voters have spoken loudly with their votes and their money, past and present: neighborhood schools and schools that separate the upper grades from the lower grades are a preference. One would hope that some measure short of failing a levy proposal would convince OBSD to search for acceptable alternatives. Electing new board members would be a step in the right direction.

DALE HILL

Ocean Park