BEVERLY — Any money for education is considered good, but Beverly Superintendent James Hayes is hesitant to use funding from the federal stimulus package on projects that might not last.
The funding is a one-time deal designed to last for two years, so what happens in three years if the economy doesn't improve?
"Three years out, I'm now $2 million short," Hayes said. "Why would I start a program I believe I'm going to cut?"
Estimates from Congressman John Tierney's office say Beverly will receive $1.5 million for special education and $390,000 for Title 1, which supports underprivileged students. It will be distributed in one lump sum, but the rule is it's supposed to go toward creating programs and initiatives.
"It's not like you can take it and pay all your special education bills," Hayes said.
So now, he's trying to come up with something that helps with the current economic situation but is immune to the possibility of future failure.
"How can we take advantage of this money in a way that's going to be sustainable?" he asked.
That's a rhetorical question, for now. Schools don't have to come up with the answer until the end of the school year, in July, so they can start the program in September. Since it's a question most districts in the state are also asking, Hayes hopes there will be some collaboration.
"We think there will be a good deal of networking in the state," he said.
Right now, however, he said he didn't have any idea what to do with the funding.
"I think this money is going to be helpful," he said. "But I don't know to what degree."
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salemnews.com.
