Question:
A full year has passed since the economy officially took a dive. Do you find the economic downturn to be having a greater,lesser, or similar effect on your school and your students this year compared to last year? What are some specific signs that you see?
Replies:
nc
It has had a very negative effect on the entire school system. School staff and supply cuts have had a significant impact. The number of students on free and reduced lunch has jumped greatly. Parents are less able to visit the schools and purchase necessities for students. I hear and see the signs of stress in my students and their parents. I have had to dramatically cut back on things I purchase for school too. My spouse and children have also lost jobs so we are all trying to hold things together too. Unfortunately I believe that the administration of this school system continues to make poor choices in the way some money is spent. Saying so is a dangerous thing though.
Terri - Bremerton, WA
Specific signs I have seen are teacher layoffs, no technology upgrades, more students on free or reduced lunch, and less money for professional development.
ny
Students have less money for incidentals. Many came without school supplies. The students are buying less books to read. Our school is receiving less funding and cutting programs to maintain a budget. We cut High School Art to .5 position, eliminating 2 electives for our students. We are not offering AP Biology. We have less kids in band because of the cost of renting an instrument. Our senior trip will be smaller because our kids don't have the money to go.
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