Dorchester District 2’s well-regarded schools are in danger in the wake of severe budget cuts, school leaders and residents told County Council at a public hearing Monday night.
Allyson Duke, district chief financial officer, made a presentation to council’s Finance Committee on the 2010-2011 schools budget. She said the district faces a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall next year.
Her presentation was followed by a public hearing, which drew a standing-room-only crowd. At the hearing, district leaders and residents voiced their concerns about the impact of budget cuts on the schools.
Superintendent Joe Pye said, “the biggest issue is class size.” There will be more children, on average, in classrooms next year, which will impact students, he said.
Alas, Kendall, this travail is probably common in many places around the country.
For example, in the growing suburban county south of Richmond where I live, next year’s budget for the school system has been slashed by over $20 million for next year! That’s right, a drastic 20 mil in state funding cutbacks. And it’s having a devastating effect on class sizes.
One friend of mine, a middle school teacher who specializes in teaching the most gifted students, has told me that in her school alone, 8 teachers have been laid off, and her class size will increase by 50%. And here’s the kicker: while she has to work harder in a worse environment, she’ll actually be paid less! But at least, due to her seniority, she still has her job.
Lord, have mercy.
David Handy+