Sometimes governments get wrapped up in process. A study for a study's sake, for instance. But sometimes the process is so effective that it is about good data and good results.
The latter is driving identification of education priorities in the Fargo School District as part of the annual budget chore. One result looks to be a better use of district funds. That is, money will be applied where it can do the most good for students.
Last week school officials reported that education leaders had developed a set of priorities to serve students and families. While the district has always set priorities, this year the district used a new method to rank needs as a way to best use limited funds. A broad-based group looked as class sizes, staff salaries and building renovations in addition to emerging needs that might require more funding.
None of it sounds all that radical. But one difference for Fargo schools this year is the look forward to emerging needs as determinants for setting priorities. The group charged with the task identified 19 categories of emerging needs and then compared them based on urgency.
In order to make the process more meaningful, it had to be more than a wish list. Budget considerations were integral to the discussions. For the first time, the district's budget experts worked with a committee to focus the use of so-called undesignated dollars - that is money that likely will be available to fund the identified priorities.
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No program was said to be more important than another. But the priority-setting process within the budget process worked well to decide where money would be most effective. The top five were: early intervention, quality staff, class size, professional development and student support.
All the available money won't be spent for the top five priorities. But the ranking is an excellent guideline for spending because it matches needs with resources.
It's easy to lob criticism at the school board and administration. Sometimes it's deserved. But patrons of the Fargo district can be confident that competent stewards are managing the finances and identifying education priorities for the schools. A good school system is getting better because school officials, board members, teachers and parents are eager to innovate.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board
