So, the school district is considering consolidating several districts into one to save money. We‘ll believe it when we see it (the save money part.) My observation of the way school districts operate is that they do not mange the same way it is done in the real world. Let me start with the simple concept of tenure. It almost does not matter how bad a teacher is as long as he or she has tenure they have job security. They have virtually no accountability tied to performance. In the real world if you are bad at you job you are out of there.

School districts are generally top heavy with administrators. Will consolidating districts mean they will cut unnecessary administrators to save money? So far that has not been stated. In the real world when companies consolidate or “trim the fat” to save money they usually start by cutting middle management and supervisors (administrators) who are not income producers.

But, there is even a more telling story that shows how school districts are out of touch with the real world.

With the concerns over global warming and energy conservation, school districts have actually moved to increase their energy demand and usage. In recent years school districts shifted the school year back. Many schools now get out in May or early June for their summer vacation and return to classes in August. The average daytime temperature in Sacramento for the month of May is 80º and 87º for June. In August the average temperature is 92º. This shift in the school year has resulted in an increased energy usage by schools due to having to run air conditioners at higher peak periods in August instead of the lower demand needs in May or June.

There is also a negative economic impact on resorts by school district shift of the school year. Lake Tahoe resorts have a very short summer season which now has been made even shorter. The average daytime temperature at Lake Tahoe is 60º in May and 68º in June. In August the average daytime temperature is 78º. Since kids have to go back to school in August the summer vacation opportunities at Lake Tahoe for families to coincide with warm temperatures have been limited. The shift of the school year has had a direct negative economic impact on the businesses and resorts at Lake Tahoe.

Are the school districts actually going to do something to save money? Not any time soon. Check out the list of procrastinations stated in an article in the Auburn Journal on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from the educators about the process of making cost saving changes: “...that will take some time.” “It’s a very long process. It’s not happening overnight” “There are several prolonged steps on the way…” “The districts will have to have conversation.” “…this is just a very initial process of discussion.” “That decision would most likely come after in-depth analyses of the pros and cons.” “…the board plans to review the figures initially at a meeting and revisit the topic at a future meeting.” “The districts will have to present a request to the County Committee.” “A series of public hearings and preparation of public documents.” “Eventually, the final decision would be left to the voters...”