CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Cleveland Schools Director Rick Denning's annual report to the Cleveland Board of Education on Monday was a collection of loose pages wrapped in a cellophane binder, not the usual glossy book filled with photos and color charts.
The report is packed with facts and figures, information on academic achievements and capital projects, such as Cleveland High School's science wing, set to start construction this month.
But it is bleak about school funding, with worries over teacher raises and the ability to meet crucial needs.
"When you have such dedicated people who have produced such an outstanding report card and all you can do is say 'thank you' -- that bothers you and me," Dr. Denning told the Cleveland Board of Education on Monday.
Dr. Murl Dirksen said per-pupil spending is below the state average and that local government still needs to be committed to school funding, he said.
"We just don't have the money" to make needed improvements, he said.
This is the first time the city system has been below the state level for pupil spending. Dr. Denning said that's partly because city school funding is linked to that of the Bradley County school system.
Dr. Denning told board members the annual report came in a binder to save printing costs.
While some applauded the effort, they also said the glossy book-type report often provides the first impression of city schools for the community, prospective residents and business.
For that reason, it may be worth the extra $2,600, they said.
The report is available online, at Chamber of Commerce offices and at public meetings.
"This is such a valuable tool for the community," member Bill Brown said.
Mr. Brown said the report's appearance "is not a pathway to excellence (the school system slogan) but just getting by."