Budget cuts are out of control! Many schools, special classes, transportation, and teachers are all being affected by budget cuts. These important and needed items at school are losing money, and classes are becoming larger by the minute. This is due to many of the different teachers being laid-off. Is there something we can do about budget cuts? Are some schools going to have to undergo closure and consolidation? Many children and parents are asking themselves these terrible questions. Will the economy ever get better? This is definitely not a good way to start off the school year.             Unfortunately, schools all around are being hit by $680 million dollars in budget cuts. This will affect transportation rides for many students. Sierra Vista Jr. High student, Mariza Fabella, explained that her bus was cut, which means her parents would have to find another way to get her to school, or she would have to take the city bus. Although that alternative seems ok, it would mean she would have to pay $1 dollar anytime she needs to take the bus which some families are not able to able to give everyday. Not only does this affect Mariza, but many other students at Sierra Vista are going through the same problem. Assistant principal Mrs. Bennett agrees that budget cuts very difficult when trying to run a school. Also, that budget cuts hurt the goal for success for students. In regards to the education crisis, Mrs. Bennett believes that education should be a top priority with the Fire Department and the Police Department. On the other hand, the state’s social safety net would lose $1 billion in funding for the poor, disabled, and the elderly. Not only do budget cuts affect students, they also affect employees. Because of budget cuts, some employees would lose 5% of their salary. Workers are worried that the cuts are being made to their salaries will hinder them from supporting themselves and their families. Also, due to these cuts, 57,000 teachers would be facing unemployment. The unemployment of so many teachers would cause 23% of increase in many classes, increasing class size by one quarter. Another alternative would be eliminating four weeks of school. Other activities being affected by budget cuts are marching bands, sports programs, summer schools, and driver education. Some schools are struggling with closure and consolidation. Teachers in some areas are being forced to vacuum their own classrooms due to the janitors being cut as well. By decreasing many of these important school resources’ the state would gain $470 million dollars.

            In conclusion, state’s budget cuts would affect everybody no matter what age or what country you live in. Budget cuts will end up cutting four weeks of school if they get any worse. Four weeks off from school may be great for some, but terrible for others. Parents are worried that their kids will not get the education that they need if four weeks are cut. Budget cuts are also affecting the school supplies in some of the schools. Teachers also worry that their salaries will become too low.

            Unfortunately, not only schools face budget cuts, but the society as whole is affected. The question remains, what can we do?