More proof schools
can save by sharing
From thnt.com Online,
February 15, 2008
A new study commissioned by five area
school districts suggests there are more taxpayer savings to be wrung out of
shared educational services than is commonly believed. The analysis,
conducted by students in the Rutgers Business School MBA Consulting Program, is
instructive reading for educators and municipal officials alike.
All told, the research concluded that school districts in Dunellen, Highland
Park, Middlesex, Piscataway and South Plainfield could shave as much as $2.3
million annually from their costs by combining and mutually supporting five
common areas: groundskeeping and maintenance; transportation; special
education; grant writing, and professional development. The school
districts commissioned the report and talk has moved on to implementation.
Here is to the hope that at least some of the suggestions are tried.
If that happens, estimates are the group could trim $876,000 in special
education busing; another $100,000 if they consolidate certain preschool and
special education classroom services, and another $320,000 to $1.272 million by
sharing maintenance contracts for plumbing, snow removal and electrical work.
Aside from simple cost cutting, the study went on to estimate that by hiring a
single grant writer, the five districts could generate another $3 million in
pure revenue — what seems like a solid investment.
Some of the initiatives are already being tried, albeit tentatively, but that is
a giant step in the right direction. The Piscataway school district, for
example, is buying 11 minivans that will be used to transport special education
students in Middlesex and Monmouth counties. Route costs will be shared by
several districts.
As mentioned, shared services are nothing new. But the extent to which
they can be plied clearly has a long way to go. These school districts
have proved the effort is probably worth it.
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