I'd been hearing rumors about it for months.
My supervisor would say strange things like "Quick! Order whatever you want for your classroom NOW! There's not going to be any money for anything next year..."
The news was reporting that many Texas districts would have to drastically cut programs.
Then we got a cryptic email from our superintendent with the number of dollars we were going to have to cut for next year. It was in the billions. That's with a "b" folks!
Our superintendent told us:
"If we cut all school buses, if we stopped feeding the children, if we stopped using any electricity, or providing any school supplies, it STILL wouldn't be enough savings to make up the deficit."
All this to let us know that, um, nothing and no one is safe! We'll know more by July, and I'm not too nervous because I'm feeling all safe with my special education degree (for now!).
But the reality is going to be hard to swallow next year. Teachers will be let go. There will be bigger class sizes, fewer aides, and close to zero supplies. And the kicker? We'll be expected to teach just as effectively!
Not Modern Enough to Use Modern Conveniences
8 months ago
16 comments:
Oh wow. I almost choked up reading this post. I live in Ohio, but we are struggling too. It's so scary! I wish you the best of luck as your district goes through this difficult time.
Best,
Amanda
http://www.oneextradegree.blogspot.com
Ah yes, the budget circus. Pulling into a town near you, right about now. For the past 4 years, I've been on the edge of my seat because they keep bandying about the idea of cutting middle school foreign languages. I've been there 15 years and have 4 certifications, but if they cut my job, I wouldn't necessarily bump someone even though I have seniority. And certifciations coming out my butt. Nothing like being a little on the edge!! And now the speculation starts. I think I hate that the most!!
I hate it when they cut all this money, all these resources and up the class sizes like whoa and then expect people to still do the same quality of work. Idiots.
I hear ya. Last year they chopped off an entire week at the end of the school year to cut costs. This year they calculated 5 furlough days into the calendar, but rumor has it they are going to chop another 5 at the end of the year again...that means only 170 teaching days instead of the 180 we are suppose to have. And they are trying to get sneaking and cut off ESY...which means this entire year will have been a waste because if my kids have 12 weeks off for summer I'll have to re-teach everything again next year. Gee-sh!
Cute etsy shop!
That has to be scary. What I don't understand is that our Lottery is supposed to be an education lottery and yet they're pulling the same crap here... Where the h is all the money going? We never see the budget spreadsheet. Of course, I'm paranoid, so don't listen to me...
I am scared about being able to find a job because of all of the budget stuff in Texas! such a great time to be getting into teaching!
From bowling to broke ain't life full of it? I am soooo thankful there is a greater purpose, a greater call, a greater glory...
That's terrible Sarah! I don't understand why there's always such a deficit in school districts. Where IS that money going? If only the budget-cutters could come spend some time in real classrooms listening to teachers!!
--Rebekah
It sucks all around. This past year they cut foreign language classes in our high school - no French I was offered but they kept 2 and 3 and the teacher who teaches French is only part-time; they also laid off several teachers. We have a combined high school and it sucks when you go to change a schedule and can't get anything you want because everything is full (read as too many students needing same classes or wanting the same classes but they can't add extra classes because they don't have the teachers for them or they don't have the means to add anything). I agree with the person who said these budget-cutters should really sit in the classrooms and listen to the teachers. Schools shouldn't be the places for cutting budgets. I'm guessing the next thing to go is textbooks and we will all have to provide our kids with Kindles and buy their textbooks online. It's frustrating at the least and scary and crazy all rolled up into one big ball of mess.
I'm not a teacher but have plenty of friends across the country who are -so I know what everyone is going through. - E :)
------------------
Elysabeth Eldering
Author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad, 50-state, mystery, trivia series
Where will the adventure take you next?
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
http://jgdsseries.weebly.com
Yikes! That is AWFUL.
This has been happening in our school district the past couple of years too. And then wouldn't you know our district decides to build a MONUMENT (25K) in front of the district office while all the PE teachers are getting cut.
It is so sad. I don't know how we're expected to meet all the standards when we're not given the tools to do our jobs. Our district (also in Texas) says we have enough money, so we'll see.
I bet that if they put a teacher in charge of the budgeting, the teacher would be able to figure it out.
I am scared for you, but hopeful that you'll find creative solutions. Think of the learning experiences you'll have? Maybe not the kids, but you will for sure!!
That's awful. It's stuff like this (and all the shootings) that makes me scared to send Little Butt to public school...
This is year 2 that we have been without any supplies and year 5 with no pay increase. We have been told that there will be cuts next year as well. I wish you all the best. I think we are all going through the same thing. Best of luck in this awful waiting period :-/
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