Your school situation and budget constraints ring very familiar to my situation when I piloted the original show in 1995 Mike! Title one school etc.! At that time, I used a 4x6 double hinged flat,(sheet covered and painted) for orphanage suggestion, simple period desk and radio as well as student drawn FDR painting on SR for Ms. Hannigans office. The servants brought in rug, furniture etc. in through the the house for Warbucks mansion. NYC was done with a "star drop"...twinkle lights inserted into a backdrop with a street lamp in front. Today we have the luxury of light insulation to paint and move etc. The true essence is the charming and touching story...don't apologize for lack of scenery, it makes us MORE creative, many times tells the story better and showcases the kids to a new level. Hope you will share pics!