School Spending budget In DeKalb County Spent On A PR Firm?

The proper use of school funds for DeKalb County Schools is the question facing officials in DeKalb County, Georgia. $ 115 million is due to be cut from the DeKalb County Schools budget – just for the next year. At the very same time these cuts are happening, it appears like the school is purchasing around with some money to lend to a PR firm. What is the story with DeKalb County Schools?

Cutting out budget items at DeKalb County Schools

Next Monday evening, DeKalb County Schools are set to take on the issue of spending budget cuts. Like most school districts around the country, DeKalb County Schools are faced with shrinking budgets and increasing costs. Parents have raised concerns about the potential of closing schools, and also the district will be cutting up to 430 jobs.

DeKalb County Schools shopping for a PR Firm?

It is no surprise the DeKalb County Schools district feels that they have a PR problem – budget cuts and pending lawsuits and a lot more. It's not surprise that DeKalb County Schools feel they need help, given all these issues. This PR firm would be hired by DeKalb County Schools to manage "crisis response management" and "creation of good will".

What DeKalb County Schools would spend

Many parents and residents are wondering why DeKalb County Schools can be using school funds to hire outside public relations. The directors are saying the contract would be capped at $ 25,000 – relatively little in the world of PR budgets. The schools' communication budget would take the cost of the PR firm, not line-item cuts to the school budget.

Should DeKalb County Schools hire a PR firm?

In the end, parents are wondering if the DeKalb County Schools decision to hire a PR firm is the right one? This question is one that could be very tough to answer. There is a five-person communications team already employed by the school district. The district recognizes, though, that they have a significant PR problem. Most schools are funded with local tax dollars. When a school starts into a downward PR spiral, they can find themselves floundering. When teachers' jobs are being cut, should a school district really be spending cash on public relations? When the job is already taken care of by five separate internal employees, should they pay an outside firm to do the same thing. What do you think?

Sources:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-schools-looking-to-519172.html

11alive.com

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=143643&catid=3