Introduction This article is Part II of the Editorial for the FY2027 Budget & Fiscal Policy discussion. If you wish to view Part I, click here. Discussion #3 New Fire Station The bonding which was approved a few years ago by the voters has not been drawn down. In simple terms, we have not…
Category: Education
Education issues and topics
Making a Meal with Several Hands in the Pot — A Refreshing Part 2
Complicated situations can often generate opinions and thoughts from various people and constituencies. And the depth and variation of these thoughts can develop a life of its own. Often, with emotions, strategies, personal objectives, and perspectives. If you wish to read Part 1 (November 2025), click here. What Now? I decided to postpone the second…
Making a Meal with Several Hands in the Pot (Part 1)
Complicated situations can often generate opinions and thoughts from various people and constituencies. And the depth and variation of these thoughts can develop a life of its own. Often, with emotions, strategies, personal objectives, and perspectives. The current situation associated with the Smithfield School Department appears to be gathering tremendous attention in the last months….
Smithfield Budget Process — An Effective Process in Fact Finding, Transparency and Fiscal Management
The Chalkboard Foundation Transparency – Something transparent, especially a picture, design, or the like on glass or some translucent substance, made visible by light shining through from behind. (Dictionary.com) Great definition if you are working with physical components. However, how is transparency defined in a business context? According to Forbes, “Business transparency is the process…
Follow-Up Enrollment and Financial Analysis — Smithfield Public Schools
Smithfield Public Schools — Enrollment and Financial Analysis The previous post provided an introduction to the 19-year analysis of the Smithfield Public Schools Enrollment and Financial Analysis. You can review the previous post by clicking here. Here are some details and take-aways to note. Enrollment Analysis The analysis of total enrollment shows a decline of…
Enrollment and Financial Analysis — Smithfield Public Schools
Smithfield Public Schools — Enrollment and Financial Analysis After reading, reviewing and evaluating financial/budget proposals for several years, I decided to compile an analysis of enrollment associated with the Smithfield Public Schools. Introduction Originally, The analysis compiled enrollment data complied by RIDE for the October 1 census; which every educational institution (that receives Federal funds)…
OurEducationSystem — Additional Research Points
This post is a supplement to another post on Our Education System – The Past, Present and Future!? You can access the original post by clicking here. Additional Research Points Evidence is mounting that there is a link between social media and depression. In several studies, teenage and young adult users who spend the most…
Our Education System – The Past, Present and Future!?
Bullying 2022 There was an interesting article in the January 13 edition of the Observer entitled Bullying jumps to pre-pandemic rates in Smithfield schools. It should not be terribly shocking that as students “returned” back to school, this behavior has resumed to pre-pandemic levels. We should not be surprised by any trajectories in any statistics…
Energy Savings Should Increase Educational Value Proposition
Overview In a recent article in the Observer, the Smithfield School Committee voted to participate in a new program. This program could deliver savings to SPSs energy costs and therefore, allow the savings to be diverted to other building projects. First, kudos to the SPS Administration and School Committee to investigate this initiative as the…
Should Theater Be Eliminated in Schools? Or Just Eliminate the Theater? (Part 2)
This article is the final installment associated with the budget meeting on May 14. The first installment of the article can be found by clicking here. The Taxpayer and Financial Perspective The significant question that continued to populate my thoughts … How did we get here? It was clear that the strategy of the School…
