The Center on Education Policy reported that while stimulus funding buffered employees and saved jobs, that money in many cases was already utilized and not available in future years. The ability to comply with class-size requirements in certain states, along with covering state funding shortfalls, supplemental IDEA and Title 1 funding have impacted the problem. This past year, the stimulus did not prevent layoffs everywhere. It was reported that 45 percent of school districts cut teaching jobs in the 2009-10 school year.
Another issue revolves around the mandate of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The federal accountability law for K-12 education has a goal of all students demonstrating proficiency in math and reading by 2014. With the increased scarcity of resources, many districts are not clear how they will meet the federal demands while remaining solvent.
When the catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti this past January, the United States and other countries provided immediate assistance. A segment of the people from Haiti migrated to the United States. Hence, a number of school districts assumed the responsibility of assisting these children.
As a result, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced that schools may be reimbursed for their efforts in helping these children. In addition to the basic educational costs, the districts had to pay for transportation, translation, curriculum support and other services. Southern Florida alone took in over 2,700 students at an estimated cost of 17 million.
This item still must go through the senate to even receive consideration.
We will keep you posted as this story develops.
