Thursday, April 7, 2011

The Health Magnet's Dental Clinic - Can DISD afford it? YES

UPDATE, 5/22/11:  Per discussion I heard at the Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee, I think CATE funds do go through the General Fund, but they can only be used for CATE-qualified expenses.  I am not sure it really changes the focus of my posting below, but I did want to mention that.  It is also possible that the teacher is paid with General Funds, and program costs with CATE funds.   Sigh - hard to tell, this stuff is still being sorted out in a way that we the public can understand.

(original post)
Jack Lowe asked a very pointed question at the last Board Meeting.  Putting kids through a dental certification program is great - they can go out and get a good job in a good field - but can DISD afford to do it in these lean times?

Mr. Lowe had recently visited the student-run dental clinic at the Health Magnet High School.  He asked how many kids were in the program, and was told "ten".  Mr. Lowe - God bless him! - doesn't waste time beating around the bush, saying what he's thinking straight out.  This meeting was no exception, and it's a question that needed asking - can we afford to spend money on a great program for only ten kids?

The nice thing about saying these kind of things out loud is that IF parents are listening, they can participate in the discussion.  I am happy to report that there WERE parents listening, both in the audience and watching the podcast.  One of those parents got right on it!

Here's what she found out:

YES! DISD can afford it because DISD doesn't have to pay for it!

First, the program and the teacher are both funded through CATE funds (Career and Technology, from a special grant).  These funds do NOT come out of the General Ledger fund, which is where the cuts have to come from.  So, if this program were cut, it would not save the District any money.  CATE funds cannot be moved to the General Ledger fund.  Use 'em or lose 'em (I think).

Second, each class has 10 students, but the whole program actually prepares 30 a year for certification.  The class size is capped by the State, so the Health Magnet offers more classes in order to serve more students.

Third, the clinic serves teachers and DISD staff (whom they charge) and also DISD students who don't have insurance (I don't think they are charged). Last year, they had 249 appointments with 525 procedures performed.  A DISD teacher who had her teeth cleaned there said she paid $50 for the service, which included x-rays.  She said the students did a great job, and she was happy to save money!

How many other grant-funded programs are out there?  Can we replicate them on other campuses?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Speaker Straus sends nice reply

I've been emailing State representatives about how State budget cuts are endangering effective and efficient Dallas ISD programs.  I received a very nice response from an unexpected place:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding proposed educational budget cuts. I appreciate having your perspective on the issues that affect the citizens of our great state.

The Legislature is facing serious challenges this session in balancing the state budget, and I agree that we must make items like public education a priority. The reductions to which you refer are simply proposals at this time. They are only a starting point, not a foregone conclusion. Before any final action is taken and the budget for the 2012-2013 biennium is adopted, there will be a thorough examination of all recommendations in both chambers, with ample opportunity to hear from all interested parties.

I encourage you to stay involved with the budget process by visiting Texas Legislature Online at www.capitol.state.tx.us or by calling the Texas Bill Status Hotline at 1-877-824-7038. The website includes My TLO, a helpful tool that allows you to track the status of particular bills by creating custom watch lists. You can also receive alerts when significant actions are taken on the bills in which you have an interest.

Again, thank you for writing, and for your kind invitation to visit the Science and Engineering Magnet High School in Dallas. I will keep your concerns in mind as the legislative session progresses and we work to craft a budget that meets the state's needs but also lives within its means. If I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (512) 463-3000.

Sincerely,

Joe Straus
Speaker