Schools are back in session and are again confronted with severe cuts in their budgets. These continued cuts are now forcing states to compete for government funding to keep teachers on the payroll and maintain or increase the quality of education. It’s imperative for states, districts, schools and parents to take action before these budget cuts result in the loss of quality programs and services.
Schools fighting for help
In an effort to help manage the current financial crisis in education, on February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into legislation. The ARRA provides funds for Race to the Top, a competitive government grant program designed to encourage states to innovate, reform and raise education and student achievement (US Department of Education, 2009).
In order to receive this funding, states have to show that they plan to adopt new standards and assessments for college and the workplace, have data systems in place to measure student growth and improve instruction, and utilize effective personnel to turnaround low-achieving schools. But, by making it a competition, this funding doesn’t come close to solving all the financial problems for every school in the country.
Bring it home to make ends meet
For the school districts that are unable to obtain additional government funding, what’s left to do in this sparse economic climate? Employee furloughs, reduced work schedules, shortened school years, reduction of staff and administrative demotions have been the answer for some.
Instead, these hard times can bring communities and schools together in a concerted effort to raise needed funds. To accomplish this, schools can:
- Ask parents and the Parent Associations to contribute money and classroom items, and to participate in fund-raising projects.
- Utilize community centers such as the YMCA to help provide daycare for parents if school days are shortened.
- Have community meetings with school personnel and students to help “educate” the public on programs and needed resources.
- Petition large corporations to adopt schools and provide monetary and moral support.
- Utilize school websites to disseminate information on site events and featured programs.
While a few dozen cupcakes at a bake sale won’t solve the problem, the sale itself does bring people together for the common good of the school. And by making the community a part of solving bigger challenges, the community can come together to be a part of each student’s success.
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