Budgeting for Equity
Providing Success for Every Student
By Ron O’Connor, SFO
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Community Consolidated School District 59
What is Budgeting for Equity?
What does it mean to be equitable? In the (inexact) words of Drs. Mike Lubelfeld and Nick Polyak, “If you want equality, give everyone a pair of shoes. If you want equity, give everyone a pair of shoes that fits.” Sometimes there is little understanding that one child may require more resources than others. It is not taking away from another; it is satisfying the needs of each individual while also satisfying the needs of others. This article does not necessarily provide an answer to solving budgeting challenges, but it should offer ideas on how to ‘move the sticks’ for all children. The word “equity” has become part of political discourse in some circles. It should not be. It is merely a term that states we, as educators, do what is best for each child.