Norwell: Times They Are a' Changing

The Norwell school board meeting last night was a packed house. (See my story in today's News-Banner.)
Folks once again turned out in large numbers to support the teachers, administrators and the school itself. There is no lack of support for Norwell in Northern Wells County, that's for sure.
It's no secret there will be cuts coming. The budget shortfall is about $1.25 million and those funds will need to come from somewhere.
Some staff will likely have to go away because enrollment has declined in the last few years, but who? And why?
Those are the big questions parents and residents want answers to right now.
Unfortunately because of confidentiality laws those answers cannot come from the board.
There are also questions about why some money can be spent, like funds for a renovation project at the high school, or money to buy new buses, but yet there is a budget crisis.
The answer to that question is bureaucracy.
Schools, much like every government entity, have specific funds set-up for specific things. Money in the transportation budget for instance cannot be used to pay a teacher. It can only be used for transportation.
And big items, like a renovation project comes through Capital Projects, which is money collected through property taxes. This too can only be spent on building projects, not new school books or band instruments.
It's quite confusing for people who do not deal with it every day. In fact, it's confusing even for the people who do. It's a nightmarish situation for everyone involved.
And I haven't even mentioned the students yet.
No, there is no simple solution to the problems at Norwell, and it is doubtful when everything is said and done that everyone will be pleased. But it seems to me, after sitting in those meetings for the last few months that everyone involved -- school board members, administrators, teachers, parents and concerned residents -- all have the best interests of the school and the students at heart.
And that is the very best place to begin.