Budget crunch requires schools to get creative

By René Hill (contact)

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 | midnight

Rene Hill

As many states begin the new school year, they face serious budget shortfalls. Just two months ago, states across the country had combined budget shortfalls of more than $40 billion. That is a staggering amount to say the least, especially since the cost of running schools is on the increase.

The cost of running buses and providing school lunches has seen the most significant increases for many school budgets, yet the districts are told to cut back. Nevada is not alone in its financial crisis. States such as Kentucky, Alabama and Rhode Island all face the same challenges during the upcoming school year.

The Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures found that 31 states have reported budget shortfalls ranging from $2 billion in Arizona to $10 million in Hawaii. The report by the group also predicted that state budget situations would get worse.

Many education officials, according to a report by Education Week, are trying to take the shortfalls in stride by pointing to the fact that the economy is cyclical, and enduring rough fiscal times is part of the job.

The early 1990s saw a downturn similar to the current one, which was sparked by a credit crisis and a drop in real-estate values. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, many schools discussed the idea of moving to a four-day school week as a way of saving energy costs. In the long run during both crises, states managed to rebound.

Legislatures across the country are doing what they can to save school budgets. While things are tight, they are cognizant of the demands of No Child Left Behind and other mandates on state budgets.

There is nothing in the federal No Child Left Behind Act that allows the requirements to be put on hold because states can't afford to put the resources necessary for completion of federal requirements. As a result, state and local education agencies are having to work harder and smarter.

There are things that can be learned from a budget crunch. As educators, we are continually finding creative ways to get the resources our students need. Our district is working hard to pull together resources, as well.

We appreciate the support of our parents and the help that you bring during the tight months ahead. All we can do is weather the storm together and keep working for our students. It is amazing how resilient kids are.

René Hill is an English teacher and former special education teacher in the Clark County School District that writes for the Home News. She can be reached c/o the Home News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074 or editor@hbcpub.com.