Foreclosures and employee layoffs are what many Americans have been facing in these tough economic times. Families have been struggling to make ends meet in a time where it seems like things may only get worse, but according to www.NCEF.com, school officials are more worried than ever that students may not be getting the best education possible because of money cutbacks. Fortunately, the government has proposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill that includes about $141 billion for education.
What kind of affect will this produce on students? Senior, Candace Anhalt said, “Right now we have a poor education system. Hopefully this would improve it.”
It is true that the education system has been suffering because of the cutbacks.
According to www.m.indystar.com, at least 21 states have cut or are thinking about cutting school budgets.
The cuts have increased class sizes, reduced the amount of time students spend in class, and have gotten rid of school programs that both at-risk and high-achieving students benefit from.
Junior, Thomasina Boring said, “Education is not getting enough money. If you’re going to send kids to school, they should be getting the best education possible.”
The bill includes, among other figures, $20 billion for school construction, $1 billion for education technology, and $300 million to improve teacher quality. Brodie Tish, a junior, said, “We need new chairs and books; kids can get a good education.”
The bill may seem like a good idea, but just like with most bills, the money to fund this investment will come from American taxpayers. Anhalt said, “They have good intentions but it won’t help the economy if they raise taxes because then consumers will have less to spend.”
Boring thinks that the government should go ahead with the plan even though taxes may be raised. Unfortunately, the decision to enforce the bill is not up to the students even though it affects them the most. Schools all around the country are hoping for the best, but some students don’t have high hopes. Anhalt said, “Things don’t always work out as planned.”