Budget plan hurts education

Gov. Butch Otter's proposed budget for next year is a realistic appraisal of the sad state of the economy.

It also is a painful plan, one that will hurt many state operations, including education, which will see at least a $20 million cut.

Unfortunately, education, especially at the local level, which relies on state funding for 90 percent of its budget, simply cannot take any more hits.

The "pad" in their budgets disappeared years ago. Electives and enrichment programs that kept kids interested in school and helped point them toward post-graduation careers have been slashed by school districts all across the state.

Staff has been cut, eliminating most aide positions, reducing the number of teachers and thereby increasing the number of students in each classroom, which studies have repeatedly shown have an adverse impact on learning. We wouldn't want to be in the shoes of any school superintendent facing a fourth consecutive year of budget cutbacks.

Otter has always believed strongly in education. When he first took office, when the state actually had a decent revenue stream, one of his primary goals was increasing the scholarship money available for students who wanted to go on after graduation and attend college. His latest budget proposal will probably result in fewer students having the necessary skills or desire for further education.

At a time when drop-out rates are at an appallingly high level (one in three high school students won't graduate), taking away the "extra" classes beyond just "reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic," that are so important to a well-rounded education and inspiring students to get more education, is a step in the wrong direction.

We don't have any great answers for the state's budget crunch. Education hasn't been hurt as bad as some state programs in recent years, but the cuts have hurt and these latest ones will, we believe, be devastating.

We'll be paying for it in the quality of our workforce and the future of our children far beyond the point at which funding is eventually restored.

-- Kelly Everitt