From Deseret News archives:
Audit to track school money for class-size cuts
Legislators recently requested an audit of class-size reduction money sent to local school districts to find out just how it is being spent, since Utah's public school class sizes remain the largest in the nation.
The Legislature's Audit Subcommittee approved the audit earlier this week.
"We allocated hundreds of millions of dollars for class-size reduction in the past — where has it gone?" Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo, asked during the committee meeting attended by state education leaders. "When the Legislature appropriates money for a purpose it is prudent that they make sure that money is being spent appropriately."
According to lawmakers, the Legislature has allocated well over $600 million for class-size reduction — including more than $82 million this year. Yet serious concerns over class sizes and questions about the use of that money have persisted.
Class-size reduction money is given to districts on top of money for growth.
"You hear the (teachers) union saying 'no more excuses, invest now'; my thought is 'that's right, no more excuses, let's find out where the money is being spent,"' Bramble said.
Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said after 9/11 class sizes shot up in Utah despite yearly increases in class-size reduction funding.
"We don't know where that money is going, although some officials have confided in me that during the economic downturn after 9/11, class-size money was seen as a 'rainy day fund' where they could increase class sizes and use money to pay for benefits, increase the salary schedule or pay for other operating expenses," Stephenson said. "They ignored what it was used for and went ahead and increased class sizes."
State education leaders agree with taking a closer look at where the money is going.
"Frankly, we welcome the audit," said Patti Harrington, state superintendent of public instruction. "It will help us understand what has been going on and might pinpoint ways we could improve."
Ray Timothy, associate state superintendent, said he expects the audit will more clearly focus on what is contributing to the continual increase in class sizes and will help leaders establish steps toward reduction.
Stephenson said standards could be put in place down the road for districts to meet in order to receive the class-size reduction funding to ensure it is spent appropriately.
"I feel strongly that for the Legislature to be shoveling out over $80 million for class-size reduction we ought to be assured we are getting something for it," Stephenson said.
E-mail: terickson@desnews.com
