Budget cuts are on my mind these days. "K-12 Funds Caught in Federal Budget Drama" by Alyson Klein and Christina A. Samuels describes the education budget situation at the federal government level. States and school districts around the country are still waiting to find out whether they can hope for any more funding from the federal government this year. From what I can glean from the article and other reports on NPR, Congress has passed a temporary stop-gap budget called a "continuing resolution" that funds programs based on the 2010 budget levels. I believe this stop-gap measure was originally set to expire in December, but was then extended until March 4. After Democrats lost their party's majority in the House in the November elections, Congress has had trouble coming up with a budget both sides can agree on. There are a couple of possibilities: the continuing resolution could be extended which would mean that federal funding would remain at the level of the 2010 budget for the 2011 fiscal year until next September 30. Congress could also pass another shorter term stop-gap measure.
With all of the budget difficulties here in Oregon, school districts face terrible financial difficulties. Gasoline prices are rising due to the political unrest in Egypt, Libya etc. and school districts can also expect higher transportation costs. It sure would be nice to have the federal government budget worked out. As a parent of two children in Salem-Keizer Public Schools and a hopeful future teacher, I find all of the budget woes extremely distressing. It requires an effort on my part not to allow anxiety to take over. I feel especially sorry that all of the dedicated, passionate, hard-working teachers who have taught my children and I am learning from in my observation hours, have to deal with the stress and worry of wondering whether they will have a job next year!
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