There is a lot of discussion about opening schools and how they need more money to open safely. While Congress is still working on a COVID-19 relief package, there have been two previous packages — the CARES Act in March for $30.7 billion, with $4 billion for North Carolina, and the COVID Response and Relief Supplemental Act in December for an additional $82 billion, with $4 billion for N.C. The current bill under consideration adds another $170 billion.

We see government officials tossing around figures in the millions and billions of dollars like it is pocket change. It gives the appearance that they don’t really comprehend the magnitude. 

When they do this in appropriating funds, it becomes easy to just toss out large figures without having an accounting of what the funding really represents. While addressing a need, they also need to address how funds are to be used to avoid the risk of waste and corruption. 

We do need the federal government to give broad guidelines so the states can use resources where needed most. We also need our governor to ensure the school districts publish detailed plans for federal and state relief money that shows how these funds will mitigate the COVID pandemic and make schools and education better. 

These plans should be specific and avoid broad-brush statements like “helping students catch up” or “helping the poorest communities.” These kinds of statements may feel good, but they don’t spell out how that will be done. We all want those things to happen, and we also deserve to see a plan of action so goals are actually achieved and the money is not wasted.

School districts, and all government agencies, do publish annual budgets. These budgets address current spending requirements. As part of the budgetary process, there should be a detailed plan for prioritized needs beyond the formal budget so when additional funding is provided, it can be immediately used. Updating the plan on a regular basis ensures the most pressing needs are prioritized and keeps pace with a changing social, technological and fiscal environment.

Mick Rankin

Stantonsburg