Discussions between school and county officials in Howard over the issue of school construction resemble a strained minuet.
County Council Chairman Charles C. Feaga wants school officials to cut back on their ambitious plans for building new schools in favor of alternatives that could save the county money. In his first meeting with the newly elected Board of Education, Mr. Feaga seemed pained to extend an olive branch.
"Looking ahead, there is no way we can ever afford to do all the things we want to do in Howard County," Mr. Feaga told the board. "The things are great that we're doing in the county, but the time may come when we can't afford to do all of them, and it may hit us all at once."
School officials were likewise civil, although hesitant to embrace the new council president's omen. Superintendent Michael E. Hickey estimated that he will request 5 percent more in the operating budget, which is $217.6 million this year. The system's long-term capital plan outlines $300 million in construction over 10 years. And while Dr. Hickey pledged that administrative expenses would not increase, he also pleaded with council members to not make cuts in that area.
School board members also cautioned against the floated notion of expanding schools to avoid building new ones, which would further crowd shared facilities such as libraries and gyms. However, they were apparently mum on whether to save money by building less elaborate schools.
While this first official session between the county and schools was polite enough, things could get less decorous later. The county's financial status won't become clear until early 1995, although predictions are not good. County officials will undoubtedly look to pare expenses, and the school contribution is the biggest target.
Council members don't have the power to dictate how the school system spends its money. Their suggestions also must not appear too Draconian to residents who are rightfully proud of their schools and aren't likely to welcome anything that threatens their status. However, Dr. Hickey's request that administrative expenses be considered sacrosanct is unreasonable, especially against the downsizing in government elsewhere. He must devise ways to do more with less.