Stretching tax dollars

A school board couldn't contract out the core services it exists to perform, services such as teaching children and providing career and college counseling. But it can make a lot of sense for a school board — or any arm of government, at any level — to hire contractors to do jobs that aren't central to its mission. Especially if that frees up money and energy to focus on the things that must be its priorities. The Isle of Wight School Board raised some hackles as it moved to outsource custodial services. But it's a step other school systems, cities, counties and the state should take more often. The superintendent estimates that by hiring a private contractor to provide janitorial services, the schools will save $500,000 over the cost of doing the job in-house. That's a lot of money in a relatively small school system, and it... [read full story]                    

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