Over the past few weeks, across the state, local school districts have been holding public meetings to discuss impending budget cuts. As the state budget comes into focus, local districts are getting a clearer picture of what it will mean for them. Many districts are facing significant cuts for the first time.
For some, it will be that the “extras” will be gone; sports, music, all day kindergarten or programs for gifted kids. For others, those cuts took place last year and they are now cutting core programs, teachers and closing buildings. When the state’s budget is released, there could be teachers lost in every district.
Parents are frustrated and do not understand how we got to this place. The school district board members and superintendents are feeling the brunt of the frustrations. Even though they do not control the purse strings, they are the ones who get to prioritize how the cuts should be made. Many districts have had to move resources around as best they could over the past few years to protect core programs. There is no wiggle room left in the system.
The economic strife that is affecting most communities in this state manifests itself in these public meetings. I have witnessed people argue to keep their jobs in front of the entire community. I have witnessed people testify to the life changing experiences they had in sports, music or AP classes in school, experiences their kids will not get the chance to have. I have seen kids plead their case to protect their favorite class, teacher or program. You can hear the fear, sadness and uncertainty in people’s voices as they plead for their schools to provide a rich education and hope for their children. Parents want to provide all they can for their kids, and are confused and disappointed that their schools cannot meet their basic expectations.
As one mom in Sedro Woolley put it, “How could the whole system in this state be so fragile?”
The cuts districts are facing are real. There is no fat or overhead to cut anymore. The cuts are as real as the pain that comes with them.
