June 23 Question

The current position of our governments economy is hurting public education very strongly. One of the ways that it is hurting public schools is the arts programs at schools. "When times are tight, school divisions look to cut art and music programs to preserve jobs or fund core-subject areas that are tied to state tests" (Prestidge). This is affecting many students strongly. Band, choir, dance, and drama are all areas that many students turn to for confidence and support during the hell that we call high school. Teachers are trying to make music after school programs to provide for those who still want to participate, the only problem is they are going to have to charge. What about the parents that can't afford to pay for their children's classes? What are they going to do? By taking away these programs because of the budget cuts, many teachers lose their jobs and students lose their comfort place. That is one way that our economy makes our public schools suffer.

Another way that our bad economy is affecting public schools is everything is suddenly more expensive. Schools lunch prices, for one, are getting higher and higher. "In Jacksonville, Fla., school lunch prices will rise 70 cents, due to rising fuel and food prices." (momlogic). Although 70 cents might not seem like a lot, in 100 days of enrollment 70 cents can turn to $70 more than you had to pay when the economy was in decent shape. Another way is students are beginning to get charged for things that in the past were free. "In Choctawhatchee High School and several other schools in Florida, schools will begin charging students $5 to use a locker next year. And they've doubled the price for student parking from $10 to $20 for this school year" (momlogic) All these expenses add up drastically and if parents are already having a hard time with the bad economy this is only worsening the entire situation.

Works Cited

Prestidge, Holly. "When money is tight, schools look to cut arts programs | Richmond Times-Dispatch." Home | Richmond Times-Dispatch. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2010. . "When money is tight, schools look to cut arts programs | Richmond Times-Dispatch." Home | Richmond Times-Dispatch. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2010. .

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