Effects of Budget Cuts to Education

A Presentation by:

Neal O’Connor

Our Classroom Picture by nicki1122

Introduction:

The recent economic downturn has left every state in the U.S. with reduced federal funding for education.

These budget cuts have forced schools to re-evaluate how they spend.

Some ways they have cut spending include laying off teachers, cutting extra-curricular programs, and even closing the schools for more days each year.

Education Cuts: The Beginning

As revenue decreased and the national debt increased it became apparent that federal funding needed to be cut across the board. This included a decrease in funding towards education.

In 2006, under the presidency of George Bush, 42 educational programs were terminated. Funding was decreased by 4.3 billion for the others.

Where Cuts Have Been the Most Catastrophic

California has proposed 2.5 billion in cuts to education amidst the states 28 billion dollar deficit.

The state of New York is cutting a total of 1.4 billion dollars in funding to education in the next 2 years.

Delaware school districts are facing 150 million dollars in cuts.

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Why This Issue is Important

Cuts mean a lack of resources for teachers to teach and students to learn.

With competition for jobs becoming more and more fierce in this global economy, its critical that we give our students the best education that we can.

Impact on Schools:

Lay-offs, decreased pay, and less benefits for teachers.

No more busing back and forth from school.

Less days of school each year

School Buses Image by clemson_fan19

Impact on Schools:

Larger class sizes Elimination of

courses that are considered less of a priority… usually fine arts and physical education.

Classroom Picture by njoconn

Impact on Schools

Termination of or increased fees to participate in extra-curricular activities like clubs, and sports teams.

No more summer school programs

Addressing the Issue

Many schools are throwing fundraisers and are accepting donations to help cope with the loss of funding.

The stimulus package and competitive school grants have temporarily eased the pain of some districts.

Conclusion:

Budget cuts to education is one of the most important issues facing schools today.

With less money and higher school standards districts are scrambling to find ways to decrease expenses and give students a quality education.

More measures need to be taken in order to ensure students are well educated and competitive in the job hunt.

References:

AASA Schools Facing Growing Budget Cuts

Budget Cuts Could Mean School Cutbacks

Ed Week "Hard Times Hit Schools“ Our classroom picture by nicki1122 Money image by loansbyed School buses image by clemson_fan19

References:

EDU 290 PowerPoint.jpg picture by njoconn