Archive for the 'Link' Category

Epic video of the day!

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

We didn’t start the flame war!

And where does the money go?

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

I usually avoid posting commentary on news stories, but I can’t figure this one out…

117 year old school to close due to only 9 students enrolled

The article states that the annual budget for running the school and the enclosing school district (which contains only this school) is $450,000, and that $50,000 per student is not feasible.

My question: Where exactly does that $450,000 go? What are the costs that aren’t obvious?

  • The article states there are two teachers at the school. Teachers are paid rather poorly, so figure they make $45,000 per year each.
  • Add in benefits, employer portion of taxes, etc at 25%: $22,500 per year.
  • The article mentions there is a combined principal / school supervisor, but doesn’t say whether they are also one of the teachers. Assume not, so add another $45,000 + $11,250.
  • The building won’t have a mortgage – it’s been a school for 117 years! It has to be long since paid off.
  • Figure $400/mo for combined power, water, and sewage; $4,800

Total so far: $173,550

California average per-pupil spending: $7,081 [1] (which technically already includes the salaries above, but I’ll be generous – figure this is the cost only of texts, labs, supplies, small capital, &c.)

Times nine students = $63,729

Total so far: $237, 279

Where did the other $212,721 go?

Source for [1]: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080413/news_1n13pupil.html