I just went over to the Dallas Independent School District's Web site to look for something relating to tomorrow's school board briefing when I found this: the proposed 2010-2011 budget. I asked DISD spokesman Jon Dahlander if this is the first time the district has posted its would-be budget in advance of a board briefing (or, like, ever). If memory serves, last year there was a mighty big stink about how the district balances its books in secret. Dahlander responds:
It went up yesterday. This is the earliest in the budget process that we've ever had it online.He sent a schedule; it follows after the jump. But as I got into journalism because there was very little math, and because I am a DISD product myself, I'll leave the numbers-crunching to those with bigger brains. But this part I understand:
The board has until June 30 to approve next year's budget.
In addition, for the first time, we're going to have budget town hall meetings.
DALLAS ISD SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT ON CREATION OF 2010-2011 BUDGET
Townhall Sessions to be Hosted Starting on May 20
DALLAS-The Dallas Independent School District will host a series of townhall meetings to receive community input on the creation of the 2010-2011 budget.
Chief Financial Officer Larry Throm will provide information about the budget process and will then provide the public the opportunity to make comments and/or ask questions.
The sessions will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
● Thursday, May 20 Walnut Hill Elementary School, 10115 Midway Road
● Tuesday, June 8 Bryan Adams High School, 2101 Millmar Dr.
● Tuesday, June 15 Maria Moreno Elementary School, 2115 S. Hampton Road
● Thursday, June 17 E. B. Comstock Middle School, 7044 Hodde St.