Tight Budget For Delaware Educators

As home purchases continue to fall and building has all but stopped the bloated Delaware government is looking for ways to cut spending. Instead of cutting positions or wasteful welfare programs the genius' in Dover have decided to propose cuts in the educational system.

The state is facing a $606 million dollar deficit and educators fear an increase in class size and elimination of after school programs.

"Everything is on the table," Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery said.

When Gov. Ruth Ann Minner released her proposed fiscal 2010 budget last month, she suggested cutting $53.4 million from public education. Since then revenue projections have declined further, causing many Delaware educators to fear bigger cuts when Gov. Jack Markell releases his proposed budget next month.

Kevin Carson, Woodbridge School District superintendent, said class sizes also will be affected by the influx of private school students whose parents can no longer afford tuition.

"We've started to see that impact in our district already," he said.

But never fear, the Obama Stimulus Package is coming to the rescue!!!

The federal economic stimulus package, which was signed Tuesday by President Barack Obama, includes a $54 billion stabilization fund intended to prevent public sector layoffs, mostly in schools. A portion of the stabilization fund is set aside to reward states, districts, schools and educational nonprofit organizations for setting high standards and closing achievement gaps. Delaware's share of the fund is estimated at $135 million, with $110.3 million designed for education and $24.5 million for public safety, schools or other basic state services, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. By accepting the federal grant money, the state is barred from cutting school funding below 2006 levels.

Lowery said Monday it was premature to say what specific affect the stimulus package would have on Delaware's public education system and whether it would avert some of the education cutbacks for next fiscal year.

"Until we see exactly what the language is surrounding the stimulus package, we can't make assertions about how we would use the money," she said.

Public education accounts for about one-third of the state's overall budget. I think it should account for about 50%. There are kids getting out of high school that are unable to read or write. Yes I personally know a few of them. I find it shameful that a child would be "pushed" through the education system without basic skills. The districts receive money based on graduation levels so the more illiterate children they "graduate" each year the higher their budget is. The Governor needs to cut some of the waste and fraud out of the budget and no cut the education system.

Mr. Governor this blog can be your best friend or your biggest enemy. The choice is yours. Act like a responsible person that care for this state and I will sing your praise from the hilltop. Act like Minner and I will blog you everyday.


Sources: The News Journal, Delaware Online, and ME:-)