School Board right to review programming The Stevens Point Board of Education recently decided to evaluate school programs as it faces potential budget shortfalls over the next two school years. We say, "Hooray for the School Board!" The board wants to create a list of which programs are state-mandated, which are necessary, which it should provide and which ones are nice to have. One board member said the criteria wouldn't work because of varying philosophies among board members. A teacher attacked the board, saying all current programs are necessary and accused the board of driving in reverse. If private industry were to operate the way these folks suggest, it would have been bankrupt long ago. Those with experience in industry know that successful operations constantly evaluate what they do and what they offer, and then change or weed out elements that no longer serve their intended purpose. Many successful businesses have contingency plans in place, so that if revenues decline, they know what "extras" have to go. It is nonsense to suggest that school systems should operate any differently - school boards have an obligation to the taxpayers and students to conduct periodic evaluations of program offerings, and to make necessary changes. Saying that all programs are sacrosanct, beyond evaluation or that "we've always done it that way" is a recipe for stagnancy and ultimate failure. A philosopher observed, "Change is the essence of existence." We strongly suspect that there's fat in the present budget, despite administration claims to the contrary. By nature, any budget of $60 million contains unnecessary expenditures. Most teachers can provide examples. The board should mandate zero-based budgeting each year to help eliminate the blubber - just as the city of Stevens Point has done. That could make the sifting and winnowing process easier. As for differing points of view among the nine board members, we see nothing wrong with having them give serious study to the district's programs, make independent judgments on each one's value in the face of reduced funding and hold public meetings to obtain citizen sentiment. If the members then come to differing conclusions on a particular program's relative worth, let them take a simple vote to determine its future. At the same time, the board can makes its case for keeping optional programs if taxpayers want to approve additional funding. We hired these people to set the course for our upcoming generations to receive a good education, and that includes program evaluation. Failing to conduct periodic reviews of programs shortchanges us all. - Jim Schuh