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Education: Who's Paying the Price?
It's often said that education is a good investment, but with budget cuts happening at steady pace in light of the economic turmoil, many are wondering when our schools, teachers and students will find relief. Recently the Frugal Families community discussed a proposal in Florida that would allow districts to shorten the school week to four days in an effort to save operating costs. Saving money is one thing, but how does this impact the children and their families? These moms offer their reactions:
"As it is, there are all sorts of other budget cuts, but this possible new schedule is beginning to flash in neon lights. The kids are in school about 6 hours a day ,if the 4 day schedule goes through they would be in school an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes." -- jennebryan
"I could see how this could cause huge problems for families that don't have the flexibility that we have. It could be a drain on finances and add stress to those that need to arrange child care. I don't have a problem with it, but I also think if changes like that are to be implemented, more after-school care needs to be provided or employers need to pick up the slack. We need to improve that sector of American society." -- kw135705
"Parents are going to need to find child care. The kids who are older have more time to get into trouble. There are kids hanging [out] with nothing to do. My kids would probably just veg but some kids would be home alone. It can only be a bad thing. -- lisa19712003
"As a teacher, I am not in favor of it. My day is already long enough, and I don't know how I would get through the additional hour or two everyday. I give my students my all for 5 hours a day (plus I have 2 hours of planning/duty), and it would be very difficult to provide meaningful instruction for an additional 1-2 hours a day. I also believe my students (low level) would have trouble focusing and learning. I believe it's the students who will suffer in the end. Anyone who lives in this state knows that we need to ADD money, resources, and programs - not take away." -- lovingmytwoboys
"Moving to a 4 day week bothers me a lot. The day would be way too long for elementary kids. Plus, that is a huge burden on parents who work. Where are they supposed to find all day care for their kids just on Fridays? How is a working class parent supposed to pay for that?" -- addieandclairesmom
Rather than shorten the school week, some schools may be forced to close their doors altogether in an effort to consolidate classrooms and the amount of money it takes to run them. Are these changes only leading to overcrowding and bigger problems in the long run? iVillagers on the Education Issues Debate message board weigh in with their opinions:
"The fact is, pretty much all public schools are going to have to make serious cuts in the next year or so, and everybody with kids is going to feel the pinch. Our school district has just proposed cutting about 100 teaching positions (probably all through attrition rather than pink slips), eliminating middle and high school late buses, and reassigning gifted program paras." -- pkuu
"Our school has gone from having 200 kids and plenty of spare space to 400 kids and bursting at the seams in the space of about 10 years. The other schools in the area have had similar surges in children and have also had to stop taking 'out of area' children." -- true.blue.strine
"If a community has schools running well below capacity, and can't afford to run all the facilities, I do agree that consolidating makes sense. While small schools can be great, they can also be a luxury." -- andovermom
"They are doing the same thing in the county I used to live in, which is notorious for schools that don't perform well. Now the kids are going to be in larger classrooms, more crowding, less attention from already overworked teachers. Just spells disaster." -- twinmommyplus2
The education system has always suffered to some extent due to lack of funds, but how will the recession put the squeeze on our schools? Are school districts in your area being affected by economic effects and are you expecting the stimulus to help the situation? Share your opinions and experiences here with us!
Related: Parenting Advice from Momtourage, Education Resources, School and Learning Message Boards
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WHAT ABOUT THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS? I AM ONE, AND I'M UP AT 4:20 EVERY MORNING. I DOUBT TEACHERS ARE UP THAT EARLY. BY THE TIME MY DAY ENDS(AT 4:00 P.M.), I'M ZONED OUT. IT'S A VERY LONG DAY, AND I AM EXTREMELY TIRED!!! PLUS I PICK UP THE KIDS FROM AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. THAT WOULD ELIMINATE THAT. NO WAY. THAT WOULD BE CUTTING OUR THROATS ALSO. KEEP THINGS AS THEY ARE.
Why is noone wondering about the so called money from the lottery that the big signs say every where..."$??? was given towards education".....Obama find those fat rats!!!!