Budgets Cuts :(

With the announcement of potential state budget cuts to education in the near future, local school districts are preparing for the worst — which includes possible teacher layoffs. Florida public schools have been choked by tight budgets for as long as any student or teacher can remember, but 2009 is expected to be an exceptionally tough fiscal year. $284 million from Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ budget will be cut due to the expected $75 million decrease in state funding and over $200 in increased costs; causing teachers to worry not only about Florida’s economy, but also about the future of public school education. I understand that fiscally we are in a difficult time, but what must realize the teacher’s point of view. I do not believe that education should be the area to cut. We do not need to give money to build new stadiums or to break down old stadiums. It is interesting to note that while district leaders of Miami schools are considering school closings that will affect thousands of Miami residents, they are so far unwilling to even think about budget cuts for themselves. It's hard to see how they have the best interests of the students attending Miami schools if they are not interested in making sacrifices themselves. Why should the kids make all the sacrifices? They should be getting the best, not closing the doors of their schools due to a small student population.