[Vision2020] Pullman vs Moscow

[Tom Hansen]

Thanks again, Dr. Harkins.

I appreciate your responsiveness.

In all fairness I would like to consider each of the variables concerned on
both sides of the state line.

Although each school district may be funded similarly, I believe it may be
fair to assume that expenditure priorities may vary widely.

For example:  John, who owns a 2002 Buick LeSabre that requires minimum
maintenance, and Jim, who owns a 1976 Buick Electra that is barely
roadworthy, each receive similar budgeting in maintaining their vehicles.

Since subsequent annual budgeting is determined on the amount used the
previous year (use it or lose it), both John and Jim use all their budget
each year.

John, whose car requires minimum maintenance, can afford to reupholster his
LeSabre and upgrade his car's sound system every year, while Jim has
expended his maintenance allotment and generally ends up having his friends
and neighbors push-start his car by Fall.

I realize that this analogy may be slightly exaggerated, but is it really?

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho


-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Harkins [mailto:jeffh at moscow.com] 
Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 5:32 PM
To: Tom Hansen; vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Pullman vs Moscow

Won't have time to compare and contrast the WASL with the ISAT, but I 
can provide two links to the respective data for each district.

One can drill down and find detailed info for each district on 
reading, science, math and writing - well, as I recall, the ISAT does 
not test science, but the WASL does.

Other than that, I am rather confident that the tests are comparable 
between the two states - perhaps some local experts on these tests 
will share their knowledge and experience on the two assessment models.

As I have time, I will try to find some examples to share with the viz
group.

Here are the links:

MSD - 
http://www.sde.idaho.gov/Statistics/docs/District%20Profiles/2005-2006profil
es/281.PDF

PSD - 
http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/summary.aspx?groupLevel=District&schoolId=2
82&reportLevel=District&orgLinkId=282&yrs=2005-06&year=2005-06

Remember, MSD has not yet posted their FY 07 reports, so to be 
comparable, you must drill to FY 06 for PSD.

At 05:03 PM 11/10/2007, you wrote:
>Question, Dr. Harkins -
>
>Although your data does reflect a considerable amount of similarities
>between the two community school districts, shouldn't it also be taken into
>consideration that the two school districts fall under separate state
boards
>of education; One in Boise, Idaho and the other in Olympia, Washington?
>
>Further analysis of this distinction, if you can provide it, would be
>helpful in determining the validity of the claimed similarities.
>
>I appreciate your candor and anticipated response.
>
>Tom Hansen
>Moscow, Idaho
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
>On Behalf Of Jeff Harkins
>Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 4:47 PM
>To: vision2020 at moscow.com
>Subject: [Vision2020] Pullman vs Moscow
>
>After reading numerous posts regarding the upcoming school levy vote
>and noting that many have questioned the validity of a comparison
>between Moscow and Pullman school districts, I have compiled some
>data that may facilitate that dialogue.  I recall one or more posters
>saying that comparing the two school districts is like comparing
>apples and oranges.
>
>That may be closer to reality than one thinks.  I am surprised that
>our resident botanists, nutritionists and/or arborists have not
>weighed in on this.  They (the apples and oranges, not the botanists)
>are both fruit, they are both healthy foods, they both offer
>significant nutritional value, they are both round, they both grow on
>trees and some of them are even the same color. ;-))
>
>In all seriousness, I have compiled some stats on both Moscow and
>Pullman (from the respective state sites) and here it is.  I think
>even the most entrenched in their positions will agree that there is
>a great deal in common between the two districts.  All the data is
>for the fiscal year 2005-06.  I had hoped to use FY 07 data, but the
>Moscow district has not released their audited financial statements
>for FY 07 (they were due on or about October 1st, 2007).
>
>                                 Moscow          Pullman
>
>FTE Enrollment          2434                    2179
>Total expenditures              $20,618,739             $17,438,662
>Total expenditures per pupil    8,471.13                8,001.48
>Total revenues                  $19,885,608             $17,321,528
>Total revenues per pupil        8,169.93                7,947.73
>Local tax per pupil             3,795.27                1,553.02
>Local, non-tax per pupil           424.69                  293.30
>State per pupil                 3,426.72                5,583.80
>Federal per pupil                  523.24                  512.74
>Ending fund balance             $1,700,000 (est)                $1,212,215
>
>Please study the data, if you find an error, it will be in my typing
>and I will take full responsibility - and make a correction.  Now
>also note that the data for Moscow is before the M&O tax was removed
>from the table and replaced by the 1% sales tax allocation. It would
>be appropriate to ask how much MSD received from the sales tax
>allocation - unfortunately that data is contained in the annual
>audited financial statement, which has not yet been released by
>MSD.  I will peruse around the state site to see if I can discover
>that information.
>
>A quick read of the performance stats suggests both districts do a
>good job.  I have personal experience with both districts as my
>daughter did K-10 in Moscow and 11 & 12 in Pullman.
>
>Hope this helps some of you better understand the financial elements
>of the respective districts.  Yes, it does raise lots of questions.
>
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