Well, the school budget is back in the news with the city manager declaring a gap of $2.7 million between what the superintendent recommends and what the city can afford. The school committee, with members Doherty and Mendonca dissenting, seems to be ducking the issue by sending Dr. Baehr into meet with John Cox. While there may be hope of a compromise, the gap is too large to expect that further cuts won't be required. But what and where?

The superintendent's current budget of $122.9 million has the stated goals of reducing class size wherever possible; ensuring re-accreditation for LHS;and maintaining the department's capacity to improve student performance. This is purely a maintenance budget with no room to add needed resources except at the high school. Here's what is already missing from the budget: funds for unexpected midyear cost increases; adequate funding for professional development, teacher recruitment, textbook and technology replacement; clerical support at our middle schools; expanded access to pre-school and alternative programs at all levels; additional guidance counseling resources; and the restoration of pre-school transportation and library media specialist positions.

A new round of cuts will seriously damage the three goals that Dr. Baehr set forth in her current budget.