State's budget discussions mean schools still have questions

Chuck Kajer, Managing Editor

On more than one occasion I've used my column or this editorial page to call legislators to task for lack of progress in budget negotiations and an inability to work together to get a budget passed.

It is the single-most important thing that the state government must do each session, yet every two years, it seems no one makes any movement until the very last minute. This has resulted in several special legislative sessions, which cost taxpayers more money.

While I like to call the legislature out, equal blame can be placed on the governor's office as well.

That brings us to this year's situation. During Monday's school board meeting, Finance Director Dan Pyan outlined three very distinct plans for school funding. One cut overall funding for schools and all other government departments by about 3 percent across the board. Another would freeze education funding at its 2008-09 levels, while a third would offer additional funding to schools for teacher and student achievement.

Those are three very different plans. One could add a hit of about $900,000 to a budget that has already undergone $1.02 million in reductions, one would freeze spending and the third could provide a boost of about $200,000 to the local schools.

Unless the legislature and governor act soon, school districts around the state are going to have to make budget decisions for next year without all the information they need.

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It seems the spring sports season has just begun, and already it's starting to wind down. By this time next week, the boys tennis team will have completed its regular season and be preparing for the Section 2AAA tournament. The boys and girls track teams will attempt to defend their True Team sections championships Tuesday, May 5.

The girls golf team has been the surprise team of the season. The Trojans, behind junior Steffi Neisen, ranked No. 1 in Class AAA, and sophomore Amber Houser, No. 9, are ranked No. 3 among all teams in the state. The team has been shattering old records and scoring lows almost every time out.

Meanwhile the softball team has recovered from a 2-4 start by winning five straight and they are now in third place in the Missota Conference.