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Raising Money for Our Schools More Important Than Ever Before

Many citizens have heard about recent budget cuts to school funding, however some may not know the effects that these cuts are actually causing. One effect that has caused much uproar is large classroom sizes. Less funding has led to less teachers in the building. The average class size ten years ago was resting at around 17-20 children (NEA). In 2014 the average elementary classroom size had increased to about 25-27 children pre classroom (NEA). This increase in class size is hurting a child’s education by not allowing them to receive as much individual attention. Many parents are upset because “this is elementary education not a college lecture hall.” Not only is class size minimizing a child’s education, but cuts on extra curricular activities have also rendered expansion of education. The most popular programs being cut due to the school funding crisis include:

  • Band
  • Sports
  • Science programs
  • Foreign language

Some schools have had to cut these programs all together while others have to now require heavy fees for student participants. Heavy fees create a barrier to education for families who are less fortunate. This funding crisis that schools are encountering are overall limiting our children’s education ability.

A recent study entitled “Starving America’s Public Schools” states the problem like this:

New austerity budgets passed by state legislatures are starting to have a huge influence on direct services to children, youth, and families. There is widespread evidence that the education funding cuts are leading to:

  • Massive cuts to early childhood education programs (pre-K and kindergarten);
  • Huge class sizes in many subjects, reaching levels that are upsetting parents and potentially damaging students’ education;
  • An end to art, music, physical education, and other subjects considered to be part of a well-rounded education;
  • Cuts in specialized programs and/or hefty fees for them. Some of these programs serve students with developmental issues or those who need more individualized attention. They also include extra-curricular activities such as band and sports as well as academic offerings in science, foreign language, technology, and Advanced Placement subjects.

The school communication agency could help bring funds to your schools so that programs like this do not need to be taken away from your students. Find more information at https://theschoolcommunicationsagency.com

*”Rankings of the States 2013 and Estimates of School Statistics 2014.” National Education Association. National Education Association, Mar. 2014. Web. 24 Oct. 2016.