What do you think will happen as the cuts to the Department of Education become a reality for our local school districts and our children?
Let’s see! What do schools provide for our community?
· Breakfast and lunch for our students
· Extra reading support for all eligible students
· Extra math class for all eligible students
· A library that provides books and internet access
· Accessible buildings and classrooms for all students, faculty and staff
· Busing: students need transportation to school, home from afterschool activities, and to and from special events like sports and music competitions and field trips
· access to hands-on technologies
These programs will be eliminated or need to be funded through state and local school taxes. Where will they find the funds? Will we resort to teaching hungry children?
Most small cities and towns are heavily invested in education. About one thousand (1000) people are employed by the Rome City school district. These cuts will lead to the loss of many positions: teachers, teacher assistants, and aides that support the full education program. Others who rely on their checks to feed and clothe their families will resort to unemployment. Who will provide the funds? Now apply this information to all school districts in Oneida County. Will our economy change ?
Eliminating income derived from school district employment will have adverse effects on the local economy and as a matter of course reduce tax income that will be needed to replace the eliminated federal support.
Before you cheer the elimination of the Department of Education, take a deeper look and realize the devastating effect on our community!
