I admit that I have a personal attachment to the issue of education, primarily because not only am I a product of Utah’s public education, but my parents and grandparents are/were teachers; inevitably, I have my own bias, yet at the same time such a connection certainly gives me a more in-depth perspective.
Yesterday during the show there was a short conversation about education and budget cuts on the FTP chat. One individual praised the cuts in education saying that, “The state needs to trim the fat in education.” I did respond, but not extensivley (mainly because chili warned me to keep my cool- as I get pretty passionate about this issue); here is my more extensive response to that and to the recent budget cuts in a number of school districts here in the valley.
Sadly enough, budget cuts are necessary at every level in the state, even education. I do not think that education is untouchable in a time like this, but it is something which should be treated very carefully. And if Utah isn’t careful, the consequences are immeasurable.
Last night my mother came home terribly distraught. Her school district had recently held a meeting with all school employees about the upcoming year and the budget cuts which would take place. Not only will ALL teachers take a salary cut of up to 7%, but nearly all auxiliary positions such as aides will not be asked to return, assistant principals will either return to the classrooms or be asked to leave. The teachers which would be leaving this year, would most likely not be replace and their students would then be distributed among the other classrooms; it was also mentioned that classroom sizes in Sky View and other highschools would probably increase to nearly fifty students per classroom.
Other proposals to save the state some money were to cut the school week down to four days instead of five and shorten the school day itself.
Other cuts are likely to occur in the realm of “special” programs such as art and music programs. And among other things, specialized programs facilitating students with diabilities will have to incur severe cuts as well.
Again, cutting the budget in education is inevitable in the current environment we live in, yet it is extremely hazardous, for if not executed properly will ultimately impact the future of our students, which as the cliche goes, “are our greatest asset.” It is also unfortunate that while education is going through painful reductions, we read about the excess being enjoyed by our own Utah lawmakers (http://www.sltrib.com/utahpolitics/ci_11418478), or that not too long ago, Utah legislators were haggling over their own pay increases (7.7%, exactly).
When we talk about “trimming the fat,” I hope that we recognize that such a decision should be made by educators, not by legislators (who mostly have very little experience in education). The school districts can always make reforms and become leaner and more efficient, but ultimately cutting teachers and other positions should be the last resort. Shortening the school week and school day itself will also be problematic, and is harmful to the ends which education is supposedly intended to achieve. One concern just off the top of my head: how will parents adjust to having to rearrange schedules in order to take care of their children with a shortened school week and school day? Certainly, it will be humorous to listen to those parents critical of all teachers/educators grapple with having to babysit their own instead of having a teacher do so.
The truth is, we really don’t know exactly what will happen, but the picture is definately grim. I remember when much of our honors programs got axed at my high school, and we were forced to take one uniform course in English, for example. Unfortunately, these classes were centered around reteaching students the most basic grammar rules and spelling, whereas before, students that had already mastered such things could take a literature and writing class. I won’t be surprised to see things get even more basic after the upcoming budget cuts take place.
Shortcomings in education ultimately lead to problems in society, be it economic problems or even criminal; education has the ability to curb such things. I hope that we truly take the time to go about this in a sensitive manner, for what is at stake is our future, and that is certain.
It’s good that you recognize that “school districts can always make reforms and become leaner and more efficient.” That being said, this is obviously more than trimming the fat – it’s more like cutting to the bone.
I have to ask, if the cuts aren’t made what happens? Does the school go under? Do all the positions disappear?
I ask because it almost seems like the auto industry and concessions the UAW doesn’t want to give, may ultimately lead the that company going out and them loosing all the jobs.
While I can understand not wanting to loose a job, I have to wonder who wins when it all just goes away…
The real question is not whether to make cuts, but where to make them. If Utah did not have a balanced budget amendment we could just run a deficit, but then we would not be in the sound fiscal shape that we are in.
With the amendment we deal with the lean years as they come by making cuts. The question before us is where to make the cuts to maximize the revenue we have. There is no question of which areas can improve their operating efficiency – all of them can – only the question of how to shave the most fat while preserving the most meat across all the government programs.
In other words, if the cuts are not made in education they must be made elsewhere according to the state constitution.
I agree with your concerns FF.