Budget Battles

Jenna Johnson
"Prince George’s schools may cut more than 1,100 jobs, enlarge classes"
Washington Post
February 1, 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/01/AR2011020105384.html?nav=mbot
Summary:

Topic: A description of the budget situation in Prince George’s school district.

The article describes the budget situation near the nation’s capital, which is a challenge found in many areas including Oregon. In this district with over 18,000 employees, the superintendant proposes cutting over 1,100 jobs and the situation is described as “dire”. Of the over 18,000 employees, less than half are teachers yet the focus of the cuts and the article seem to be mostly on curriculum and the effect on classroom sizes. Later in the article, however, most of the job cuts are reportedly from employees already up for retirement.
It’s a nice run down of the discussion however, I would also be interested in a discussion of automation, efficiencies and savings that might be found on the administrative side of the house.

Intended audience: Voters who might be called upon to consider paying higher taxes.

Key Points: - There are many interesting points throughout the article but I found it interesting that the situation is being described as “dire” when in fact, the cuts and request for athletic fees for students don’t seem to equate to the end of this particular district. (FYI, Beaverton Dist 48 students pay $225 per sport per season.)
- A quick mention of online learning alternatives (dismissed as ineffective).

Relevance: The current economic situation is putting stress on both the public and private sector. How we prioritize and react to these challenges now will impact our country and quality of education for years to come.