Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake recently told legislators that the budget cuts in state education proposed by Gov. Larry Hogan would harm the city and its school system ("Aid cuts hurt city, mayor says," Jan. 28). However, I believe that budget cuts might be just the catalyst needed for change in the city's schools.
Undoubtedly, $35 million is a significant amount of money, but this is the perfect opportunity for the city school board to reevaluate its nearly $1.2 billion operating budget. Getting a closer look at where the money is going could be eye-opening for the school system.
On an annual basis, private schools need to work within their allotted budgets and reassess when that budget is adjusted. We don't have the luxury of the state to fall back on. Rather than throwing money at their problems, the city school system will now be forced to re-evaluate and streamline their processes, programs and staff to trim the fat and offer the best possible education for their students.
Ben Shifrin, Baltimore
The writer is head of Jemicy School in Owings Mills.