This article highlights the type of oppostion that arises from unexpected quarters when trying to implement something so obviously correct as giving principals more autonomy and control over their budgets.  In this case, groups that support arts programs are concerned that principals, once freed of centralized control/constraints, will focus more attention on reading and math rather than arts programs. 

 

They are no doubt right to be concerned -- but I'm not.  I'm a big champion of the arts, but am an even bigger champion of children who can read and do basic math, so I think it's entirely appropriate for principals of schools in which a majority of children are testing far below grade level in the basics like reading and math have the ability to take the time and money that they are currently required to spend on arts programs and instead channel it to the basics.

---------------------------

February 22, 2007

Principals May Win Control of Millions in School Funds

By ELISSA GOOTMAN

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/nyregion/22klein.html

The New York City school system is planning to give principals new discretion over the spending of millions of dollars that until now have been specifically earmarked for a wide range of arts programs.

The change would be part of an effort by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein to give principals more say over how they run their schools and spend their money. It has prompted an outcry from groups that have been fighting for years to resuscitate arts programs that were decimated during the city’s fiscal crisis three decades ago.