Cleveland Principals Applaud Student-Based Budgeting

The following excerpt is from the news segment that aired on NewsNet 5 in Cleveland. See the video here.

Many Cleveland schools will have fewer dollars next year, but principals will be able to spend those dollars where they are most needed.

It's called student based budgeting and this is its second year in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

The money is allocated to schools based on enrollment and student needs, such as special education and reading proficiency. 

About 40 of the district's 100 schools will see budget increases.

William Cullen Bryant Elementary School will lose $40,000, but it's principal isn't complaining.

"I love it," John LePelley said.

LePelley was able to hire a full time music teacher last year because of the autonomy he has with student based budgeting.

"Student based budgeting isn't about the dollar amount," he said.  "It's about the ability to design a school."