School districts all over the country must find new inventive practices to cut costs. Sadly, cutting some programs may be inevitable. However, these effective ways for public schools to save money lead to a compromise that keeps everyone happy.
What’s Old Is New Again
New and flash investments can be fun and exciting for schools to make. However, the cost of it all may not be in the school’s best interest. For example, purchasing new computers for students is pricy, whereas refurbished versions come at a fraction of the price.
Modifying your spending doesn’t have to just be in the classroom. Acquiring a school bus fleet can cost a pretty penny, so it’s advantageous to opt for used school buses that pass all the maintenance checks instead.
Improve Sustainability
It’s not uncommon for schools to be stuck in their ways, especially if they are afraid of change. If things like payroll, billing, and registration are still on paper, you’re going to spend unnecessary amounts of money on paper and printing materials. There are online alternatives to handle all these activities and processes. Thus, going with the automated route makes the school more sustainable and organized.
Other than going paperless, schools can limit their energy usage. Even something as small as turning off the lights of vending machines can go a long way in saving a few bucks. Other strategies include utilizing natural light in the classroom, using motion-activated lights, and turning off any electronics when not in use.
Rent Out Rooms
Use school grounds to your benefit and rent them out to interested parties. A local business may need a state-of-the-art classroom that they don’t have access to for a presentation, so you can rent those rooms out for them. Also, your athletic facilities open the door to several opportunities for parties or other events. Use what you have to your benefit, and don’t limit the possibilities.
Invest Preventative Maintenance
Assuming there’s nothing wrong with maintenance equipment if it’s working is not an ideal strategy. High-priced equipment like an HVAC system needs routine maintenance checks and tune-ups to prolong the need for purchasing a new system. A proactive and preventative maintenance schedule lets you allocate resources into other areas that may need it, limiting the need to cut programs to balance a budget.
Implementing these effective ways for public schools to save money helps keep the students and faculty happy. These ideas only help create a better environment while balancing the books.
