The Cobb County School District is facing a $135 million budget shortfall. We weathered much of what's being politely called the "economic downturn" better than most counties for a long time, but now our time has come. The state predicts a $95 million shortfall for Cobb County, but leaders at the county level state that estimate is extremely conservative. The true number will approach, and even exceed $135 million. The budget must be balanced by the beginning of the next school year. The county school board is responsible for this monumental, and monumentally upsetting, task.
There is no easy answer. There is no good answer, even. The answer is to reduce an already stressed education system by taking drastic measures. We've already been making "austerity cuts" since 2003. The problem with this kind of situation is that the budget must be balanced and to do that unpopular decisions must be made. No one wants to reduce work force, no one wants to reduce salaries, force furloughs, remove nurses, counselors or aids from the classroom, reduce or eliminate music, arts or athletics from our schools, or further increase class sizes. No one wants to do any of these things, but we must do something. Some of these things will happen.
Cobb County has initiated a survey of all Cobb parents, soliciting feedback on both parents awareness of the issues facing Cobb County, and proposed solutions to balance the budget. This is the first time in my time as a Cobb County parent this has ever happened. I appreciate the efforts they are making to truly involve the community.
At the end of the survey was a section for open comments regarding the budget crisis. Here is what I sent:
I've lived in Cobb County most of my life. I grew up here and went to school here and now my daughter is growing up here and going to school here. I have no idea what the future will bring for me and my family, but right now we can afford to support our school financially and do so generously. I wish more people who are able, would also be willing to do this. I understand it's a hard time for a lot of people, but we need to pull together as a community to get us through this. There seems to be too much of a "me and mine" attitude and too little understanding of the fact that we're all in this together. People fail to understand that education standards affect us all and we must all give of ourselves, and our bank accounts, as we are able. I truly hope there is a way in all this to bring people together instead of apart, as so often happens when these kinds of cuts are necessary.
I hope that more parents see the potential reduction of work force as a call to volunteer at their schools, and not as the beginning of the end for Cobb County. Cobb County is, and has been for some time, a leader in education. While no one wants to reduce work force, reduce the programs offered, or reduce salaries, it may become necessary. If it does, we should rise to fill those gaps, not condemn them for existing.
I know these points don't help the budget, but I hope the message helps the people who will be affected by it help our schools. Please include in your messages the importance of working together with our schools, of volunteering where able, of supporting programs at your local school with time, money, or both as each family is able.
I feel it's an important message to include during these uncertain times. I hope it doesn't get lost and I hope more people will rise to the challenge of doing their part, whatever it may be. It doesn't just take money to run schools, but time as well. Giving of ourselves can be the best thing we do for our kids, especially in times like this.
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