And where does the money go?
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
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