But here lies the problem. Although Homelink is considered a beneficial program, it isn't currently helping those ratios. By nature of design, Homelink students aren't on campus all day. As such, Homelink only uses a ratio of 11.25 teachers for every 1,000 students, said Bria. Fewer teachers in one school reduces the overall teacher-student ratio in the district.
Lower ratios equal less state help.
According to Bria, additional state money allocated to Homelink goes to improved materials, facilities and technical equipment. These budget decisions are consistent with each autonomous school in the district. So the same level of money once earmarked for Homelink is simply not there. In order to maintain consistency in the program, the district must make up the difference out of its regular budget, said Bria. According to Keister, over 20 possible paths are under current discussion by the study group.