I realize that there are bigger fish to fry then worrying
about the education of Texas' children. With
illegal aliens crossing our borders, same-sex marriages and the evils of Planned Parenthood who has
time to worry about the $4 billion dollars being cut from education this year. Academic
programs and transportation are being cut down to the bone. Many teachers and support staff have been
laid-off. In Leander there are two new schools
that were built due to overcrowding, sit empty because the district does not
have the money to staff them. Not only
is this issue heartbreaking for the students it also affects the lives of all
the dedicated teachers and support staff who have lost their jobs. Many districts have tried to compensate for the
cuts by having parents pay for transportation, sports, and uniforms. In my opinion, this is fine as long as they
can afford it. The problem is many
people can’t afford it and the children, our future are the ones who suffer. The most affected districts are the low-income
districts according to an article on NPR, lower-income districts are getting $800.00
less per student than wealthy districts.
Why are we not using some of the $5 billion dollar rainy
day fund? Is giving Texas children a
subpar education not an emergency? How
our educators expected to make sure students are grasping the curriculum when their
classrooms our overcrowded and they do not have the support staff to help them. My concerns are not for the self-motivated and
bright students, but for the students who needs the extra help. What will happen to them with overcrowded
classrooms, due to the budget cuts in education? These are questions not only should parents
be concerned with, but everyone who lives in Texas. I am certain we can all agree that children are our
future. We need to make sure our future
is filled with educated adults.
I am not sure if there is any problem bigger than the education of our children. Children truly are the future of this nation. Young people grow up to become adults who run the country. Academic programs are cut across the nation. Teachers have lost their jobs across the nation. Most school districts have had to become creative with the strain on their educational budgets. It is not a matter of whether the parents can afford it; it is whether or not they are willing to make the sacrifice. Though parents traditionally make huge sacrifices to put their children through college, sacrifices may need to be made much earlier to secure a decent education for their children. I cannot speak to the NPR article reference because there is not enough information about where the $800 is coming from.
ReplyDeleteRegarding why we are not using some of the $5 billion dollar rainy day fund took a bit of research. According to the Statesman, the House budget-writing committee approved to use some of the $9.4 billion reserve fund to help with the current deficit. However, Governor Perry emphatically insists no rainy day funds will be used for the 2012-13 budget. A portion of the rainy day fund, $3.11 billion has been approved for use. There is an amendment by State Rep-D Donna Howard, Austin, to pull an additional two billion dollars from the rainy day fund specifically for education. There is a catch to the $2 billion. The rainy day fund must accumulate over $6.5 billion; the excess will go to education, if the amendment is passed.
The author must be aware that someone is concerned about all children receiving a quality education and that there are those fighting for finances for education. Overcrowded classrooms always have been a problem, I agree. However, it is sad that there is no concern expressed for the "self-motivated and bright students." An overcrowded classroom can de-motivate the brightest student and his grades can begin to suffer as a result. I would hate to think that my daughter would get less of an education because she is a bright child. I would hate to think that my daughter would have less compassion and concern because she is a bright child. She was born a bright child. No, she was born talented and gifted and I would hate to think that just because she is part of the Gifted and Talented program and self motivated that there is no concern for her. If parents and Texans should be concerned, they should be concerned with all students not just the students who need extra help.