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The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
In the face of today's gloomy economy, many school districts are facing the sad reality of budget cuts. In fact, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities predicts that half of all states will face budget shortfalls in fiscal year 2009. California has been hit particularly hard, leading Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to propose a $4.8 billion cut in education for K-12 public schools. Because No Child Left Behind requires students to maintain math and reading levels, schools will need to scale back some programs and eliminate others altogether. It's a difficult choice, but one that schools across the country will need to make. Which program is the most important one to save? Tell us what you think.
CUTTING PROGRAMS
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 27, 2008 - 08:31.
Let me see, last I knew there were BILLION$ for pet (pork) projects, Billion$ for ludicrous research topics and experiments, and Billion$ for OVERSEAS AID packages. Funny how things are called "earmarked" funds, since we do not hear of many of them until AFTER the money is WASTED (I mean spent.)
Funny how the money from Casinos was to SUPPLEMENT not REPLACE education funding! Gas prices are outrageous. However, and more importantly, why spend so much money on highways while asking taxpayers to cut-back on gasoline consumption?
The largest waste item, I see in surrounding school districts, is consultant fees, test fees, curriculum fees and fee fees. It is hard for teachers and principals to justify the cuts in their budgets when they do not see cuts in main office budgets!!!
Superintendents’ salaries...OUTRAGEOUS! Districts nationwide are the same Million$ in the hole as they were BEFORE all of the school closings, staff lay-offs, program cuts, position elimination through attrition, and cancellation of contracts. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE???? Property taxes are going up with increased education funding, but districts never see the increased revenue. The people want better schools but, are unwilling to pass bond issues to help them improve!
Consolidation, liquidation and conglomeration are NOT going to improve student learning ability. We need new teachers, better equipment and REAL incentives. EDUCATION is VITAL to OUR CONTINUED EXISTENCE as a CIVILIZATION. Do not cut any programs, cut out the cancer of nepotism in the front offices of districts that are strapped for cash, then there will actually be money saved!!!
I absolutely agree about the
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 28, 2008 - 22:24.
I absolutely agree about the amount of money that is being wasted on consultants and academic coaches. Our small district has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in just these two areas. Why does administration get paid at such a high rate when they just hire other people to do their jobs?
Budget cuts
Submitted by Susan (not verified) on May 24, 2008 - 18:24.
In a country where we are told that all students must be a grade level by 2014, why cut any programs. It has been proven that the arts increase academic achievement. So I think that the government needs to find the funds that allow students to reach beyond what they think they are capable of. Take the math and literacy coaches out of the schools. Don't give superintentents more than the necessary salaries-no fluff. Districts need to cut their budgets. The government needs to look in their own backyard for the unnecessaries expenses. Every year something is taken away from the students. They need the education to become successful, productive citizens of the future. They will be taking care of us in our future. I see every year more adoptions of new books because the government says we must change books- WHY? Then what do we do with the obsolete books! What a waste of money! STOP SPENDING AND USE WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE--ESPECIALLY IF IT'S WORKING!
Which program must be maintained during budget cuts?
Submitted by Stuart (not verified) on May 23, 2008 - 09:55.
It really depends on the district in regards to the after-school program. An inner-city school may need a program like that more than a suburban school. Otherwise, save the arts!
Shame on America
Submitted by Paul (not verified) on May 22, 2008 - 20:16.
This question being asked in one of the world's richest democratic countries is deplorably shameful.
It is a sad indictement of our value system Take 5% of the Pentagon budget and you have all programs and more besides funded.
We choose to put war and strife ahead of health and education of our children.
Wake up "Sheeple"!
What program to keep?
Submitted by Leonard Isenberg (not verified) on May 22, 2008 - 18:57.
How about the one that teaches our students, the future citizens and arbiters of power under the constitution, the relationship between a trillion dollar war in Iraq and cuts to the public education budget.
Tough Cuts
Submitted by David Cross (not verified) on May 22, 2008 - 17:25.
Wow, what a dilemma. Several school districts in my area are trying to cut back on janitorial services and adding more students to classrooms. This too seems to be a poor answer to a difficult dilemma. We end up with dirty classrooms and facilities and more kids in an already crowded classroom. It seems that almost any solution results in the students and teachers getting the dirty end of the stick. When will our state or country ever fund education fully to benefit our students who need to be competitive in the very near future?
Which program must be maintained during budget cuts?
Submitted by Angelle (not verified) on May 22, 2008 - 15:01.
Torn. I said we need to keep the arts programs, but honestly all the programs are important. I concur with Brian who says that we should just increase class sizes slightly.
Also, let's scrutinize our other resources -- what is and is not working instructionally? Cut a percentage from a variety of programs?
Can we make better use of parent/community volunteers and find other sources of funding? After school programs could be paid for by parents on a sliding scale...
I teach in an independent charter school that does amazing things on a tiny budget. I don't know how...
--Angelle
Charters drain resources away from traditional public schools
Submitted by Emily Brown (not verified) on June 26, 2008 - 07:19.
Why not get rid of the charter schools that are stealing resources from traditional public schools? Charters are just another way for Departments of Education to wash their hands of the business of running schools by privatizing it. Who ends up paying the price? Students. Read my blog for more about this: http://charter-free-ps15.blogspot.com
Education's Budget Cuts
Submitted by Chuck Fellows (not verified) on May 22, 2008 - 14:05.
In a nation whose education budget is the equivalent of the defense budget is it silly to be talking about cuts.
Get bbehind and support the on demand texbook initiative and cut textbook cost by up to 75% and improve quality through individual curriculum customization.
Let students take the lead in organizing how learning should be organized and watch how integration of curriculums increase the amount of material delivered with higher quality experieinces for student and teacher alike; concurrently move away from age grading and allow the students personal strengths take the lead. No increase in cost.
Teachers get reflective about your chosen profession and give voice to the the better way of delivering the subject you are passionate about - improve the process and cust cost! Listen to Ken Robinson on www.ted.com.
When a system of management is awash in money, as education truly is, but delivering little value it is time to look at the delivery system - not cut costs. (since in a cost cutting frenzy those at the top are seldom asked to prove they add value...)
Stop wringing your hands and start cutting wood.......
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