One test worth taking

The pilot project for janitorial services between Coeur d'Alene School District and Tesh is fascinating on at least two fronts.

First, it shows a new and exciting element of outreach from the district to one of the region's most important nonprofits. Through a variety of services and expert training, Tesh helps hundreds of local people with disabilities reach their full potential. A number of these Tesh clients become self-reliant while learning a skill and earning money. One of its most successful programs is a janitorial service that Tesh has been operating for more than two decades.

District officials are contracting with Tesh to handle janitorial work at Coeur d'Alene High School this school year. While a benevolent spirit of cooperation is clearly a benefit, it's not really the goal. The district is trying to save taxpayers money while providing a clean, safe environment for students and staff.

By employing a Tesh crew in just one school, the district expects to save $20,000 this year. And if you're thinking the district could save a whole lot more by contracting further with more Tesh crews, you aren't alone. The test will offer some insight into how feasible expanding the program will be and might even offer a preview of other possible forays into privatized services for public schools.

The other front that this pilot has cast light upon is not nearly as upbeat. During the recent school board meeting in which the one-year contract was discussed, a spokesman for the teachers union criticized the move. Why? Because it would cost union jobs.

That's consistent with union thinking but deeply disappointing nonetheless. By opposing the Tesh contract, the union is showing complete disregard for district taxpayers. It's insulting the hardworking individuals at Tesh who want nothing more than to be productive members of society and to be modestly rewarded for their efforts. And it ignores the many possibilities of strengthening our schools while building long-term bridges within the community.

We applaud district officials and school board members for launching this pilot project and are eager to see how much good comes from it. We're willing to bet it'll be an even greater boost to the community than what is seen on the bottom line.