DHS community approves of school funding use but seeks improvement

~ theraiderpress
Image courtesy of www.schoolstatefinance.org: A breakdown of school funding from the state. 

By Kristian Fearon ’25

At DHS, it is a common misconception that the school has control over all its funds and that those funds are being used for the wrong reasons. The truth of the matter is that the school gets most of its money federally and sometimes it is told where the money needs to be used; most of the time, the school needs to request money but the higher-ups at the state level will not give funds that would be useful to the DHS community. 

In an interview with english teacher Jessie Yanes, she stated that, “For at least 5 years or more, the mayor of Derby has not granted any increase in funds from the town to the school.’’ [Correction: in the past 2 years, Derby Public Schools has received small funding increases from the town.] With this information it is revealed what the DHS students believe about our funding is far from the truth. Many DHS students think the funds are being spent the wrong way, and that enough money is not provided for the school. Students question why the school needs things like big TVs in the lobby or lunchroom, for example. In an interview with Assistant Principal Ray Coplin, he stated, “Depending on the funding source, sometimes we are told where it has to be spent or how it has to be spent.” 

Because of this DHS can’t necessarily use its funds where it’s always desired to be used. Student Xariyah Mitchell ‘25, wishes that we could have more money for school field trips, events, landscaping, and functioning heat and AC. But what can DHS do to help increase their funds as a community? DHS can hold fundraisers at school, request grants, use boosters, etc. DHS vice president Isabela Hernandez ‘24 said, “The new school treasurer this year recommended a fundraiser every month, which I think is a good idea, especially for funding school events.” Student Council member Brianna Kling ‘25 suggests that, “The student classes have to do more fundraising for themselves.” 

With all this information common misconceptions about funding at Derby High School can be cleared up. Derby High School hopes it can be provided with more funding in the future.