Letter to the Editor, by Stan Hanson

Stan Hanson [File photo]

Our local elected officials are facing the most difficult budget situation I have seen in decades. The shifting of more budget responsibilities to local government by the state legislature is a part of the difficulty. However, years of living with too much “budget bloat” is also a factor.

The Marion County School Board is an organization I believe is facing the most brutal budget decisions of our several local government units. I have examined the budget cuts other Florida school districts are expecting. Comparatively, MCPS is going to be facing a much bigger challenge than most other districts.

The school board, especially the two members who have grown up in the district as employees, are going to have to make some budget cuts that are not likely to enhance their popularity with some parents and school staff. So, what are the actions they are going to have to seriously consider:

• Obviously, cuts in staffing while protecting the quality of the teaching staff.
• Staff cuts will help but are not the answer to delivering a budget that is affordable, and taxpayers’ approved.
• The board should implement a DOGE Program, following the leadership of the County Commission, to address organizational efficiency opportunities that will result in budget reductions.
• Other than classroom teaching, nothing is exempt from being put under scrutiny for budget reduction opportunities.
• Any tax increases, if asked for, better have the best supporting position they have ever had in convincing taxpayers.
• Lastly, the board will need to toss out the window any approach to delivering a budget that is based on protecting friends in the district or positioning a board member for reelection.

I don’t envy the job the school board has in delivering a budget. However, when they ran for office, that was a big part of the responsibility they accepted.

Good luck to the school board, and all the local government entities, in this year’s budget preparation.

(Stan Hanson is a retired Vice President of Procter & Gamble, Inc. He has been a resident of Ocala for 28 years. He has served on many local boards and committees and is an avid philanthropist when it comes to education, health care, parks and libraries.)