Money Money Money: The Fabulous Financial Side of Education

Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money.  ~Cree Indian Proverb


So money isn't exactly what you'd call "my thing".  I like it, especially what you can buy and do with it.  I understand that money makes the world go round, and that our lives are made much easier by having it (well, I could get all philosophical here and talk about the real conundrum that relying on money has gotten us into, but that's for another time, and perhaps another blog).  I just don't particularly get it.    My sister is the financial wizard in our family.  And while I certainly marvel at her skills, I am quite aware of the fact that I can more easily read Dickens than a bank statement, and am more likely to invest in the complete Elvis film collection than RRSP's.  My one hope is to convince some banking brainiac that I am a suitable marriage prospect, and rely on his financial savvy.

Needless to say, I was not particularly excited when I found out we were spending a class talking about financing, but realized very quickly that this was big stuff, and something I would have to comprehend, (at least slightly. ) I was not overly surprised by the breakdown of the revenues and expenses.  I knew that the majority of funds came from the provincial and municipal governments, and I assumed that the costly price tag on schooling was mostly due to having to pay those oh-so-essential educators.  I guess what really struck me was the incredible cost involved in providing a free public education system, and the magnitude of the decisions made by the people who decide where the money goes.

Funding for education is based yearly on a per-pupil basis, which has to be determind by September 30th, the most magical of days in the school calendar.  (What I gathered from Jackie's spiel is that it is imperative to get every kid possible by this day, and to refuse entry to those requesting accomodation thereafter.)  Money comes either directly from the provincial or territorial government, or through a mix of provincial transfers and local taxes collected either by the local government or by the boards with taxing powers.  There is special funding for rural areas, and for students who present with special needs.  Aspects such as maintenance for the buildings and equipment (including janitorial), office supplies and staff, classroom supplies and paper costs have to be considered in the yearly budget. 

I know the world isn't fair, but why isn't it ever unfair in my favour? - Bill Watterson

Unfortunately, the world in which we live doesn't always give everyone equal opportunities and treatment.  This is true for all aspects of education, even in the financal sector.  Due to the law of efficiency, urban schools generally have more money than rural schools.  This means they are able to provide better programs, and offer a wider variety of courses.  This absolutely makes sense to me.  But it still sucks.  I grew up in a small town that did the best it could with what it had, and I appreciate that, but I still feel sorry for myself that I never got to participate in band or have a Home Economics class.  (That is why I can't sew and didn't know clarinets existed until first-year university...thanks a lot disparity in the finances in our education system!  Thanks to you I will never be a first-rate musician or good housewife.)  Since part of the funding for schooling comes from property taxes, those who live in areas that are considered to be more valuable get more money.  This also makes sense to me, but it's not fair.  Fortunately, others besides me have realized the disparity in funding, and there are ways in which it is being addressed, such as through extra grants.

After an activity in which we were required to make financial cuts to a school division, I know I will never belong to a school board (or any kind of board that makes financial decisions.  Whether I wanted to be or not, likely no one would let me on there once they got to know me at all.)  IT WAS HARD!  Like really, really hard.  Every time I had made up my mind that a program should go, another group member would come up with a reason for it to stay, and I would jump on their bandwagon.  (This goes back to my whole "Worst Debator in the World" title.  Everything sounds good, and everything is essential and WE NEED ALL OF IT!)  As much as I like to imagine a world where money doesn't really matter, and that we can all get by with sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, I know that money talks.  If the funds aren't there, the program is cut.  That is why school boards need to be filled with intelligent people with an uncanny ability to prioritize.  What is it that our kids REALLY need?  What is essential, and cannot be done without?  I have gained a deeper understanding and respect for what these people have to deal with, and will definitely stop and think before I complain about a decision which was made.

While finances may not be the most riveting topic we have covered thus far, I do believe that learning about all of the aspects of the education system will help me to be the best teacher that I can be. 

Cheers.