If you’ve already participated in the citizen’s budget allocation process known participatory budgeting (PB), there is some good news.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley announced that she has allocated $2.1 million for the first-ever “Participatory Budgeting in Schools” process in the city.
Here’s how it works. All 21 schools in the district will receive $100,000 in capital upgrades. Each school will have three proposals on their ballot, and can vote for two.
Elementary and middle school students will vote on the week of March 24, while high school students will vote on the week of March 27. For the younger students, their families will help decide as well.
Proposals for capital projects include:
- Water bottle refill stations
- Surveillance cameras
- Smartboards
- Laptops
- Smart tables
- Auditorium renovations, such as audio visual upgrades, lighting, curtains and seats
- Gym renovations, such as floors, bleachers and score boards
“This project will not only provide upgrades for local schools, but also give a lesson in civics to our students,” Crowley said. “Nobody knows the needs of our schools better than the students and parents.”
“Ultimately, I believe participatory budgeting in schools’ will empower the school community in a way that has not been done before,” she added. “And when they participate, students and parents will see firsthand how their vote can make a difference.”
All ballots must be returned by March 31 to be counted.