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Knox County Magnet Schools Evaluation
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Final Summative Evaluation Report
Findings and Conclusions
Findings and conclusions of the study are presented by research question:
Research Question 8: How do operational costs of the magnet schools compare with those of other Knox County schools?
The evaluation team did not conduct a detailed cost comparison of Knox County schools. Our cursory review of budget information and costs shows that each magnet school receives a small, annual allocation for purchase of supplies and materials, technology, equipment, field trips, staff development and special needs (e.g., artist in residence). Obviously, there are some additional personnel costs associated with the magnet programs; e.g., magnet facilitator time, a few specialized teachers, central office administrator.
The five schools designated as magnet schools are also Title I schools and Project Grad schools. As such, they receive additional funding and human resource through those programs. It was made clear in several schools that principals mix and mingle resources to meet school-wide needs and magnet facilitators typically have responsibilities beyond the magnet program(s) in the school.
Since most, if not all, the magnet schools and programs are operating at less than capacity, that element would also have to be factored into any comprehensive cost analysis. Changes in admissions policies, zoning, and/or programs could, perhaps, influence positively this aspect of operating costs.
One problem associated with the current state of the magnet program is, as one central office administrator characterized it, a failure to continue “feeding the magnet programs after supporting their initiation”. It is apparent that resources were allocated to initial development and implementation of the programs, but that there have been few resources allocated to keep them “cutting edge”.
Conclusions
- Financial support of the magnet schools and programs over and above other schools in the system is minimal.
- Strengthening current magnets and/or developing new ones will require a commitment of resources.
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