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A school had to make cuts. They cut all the extracurriculars. What are parents saying?
Budget ProblemsStoneham, Massachusetts schools were having budget problems like many schools across the nation. It came to a vote of the taxpayers. The voters were to decide if they wanted to override the cuts. The voters decided to keep the $3 million in cuts. The Cuts
[Eric Moskowitz, Boston Globe, boston.com, June 25, 2007] ReactionThe parents are stunned. At the time they voted, where the cuts were to be made was probably unknown. A student attending Stoneham School will not have the opportunity to play in any sports, music instrument, sing in a choir or participate in any art program. If parents want these activities for their children, they are forced to go to a private school. 6th GradeThe 6th, which has been part of the middle school, will return to the elementary setting and that wing will be closed. There has been some recent debate about 6th grade being part of a middle school. College-BoundFor students that were hoping to get an athletic scholarship to college, those plans are on hold. Extracurricular activities are very important when applying to a college. Scholarships are often based on art, music and athletic ability. Will these students be disqualified from these types of merit scholarships? Career ChoicesIt is because of playing sports that many students become teachers and coaches. It is because of an inspiring high school teacher that many students become music teachers. And, art is a life-long skill that could not only be a hobby but a lucrative career. Right-brained students need movement and hands-on activities in and out of school. They are active and creative. What will Stoneham offer these students who are hands-on learners? Private SchoolsParents that truly want these activities for their students are forced to send these students to a private school. Private schools can be very expensive and some equal the price of college. How many parents can afford to send children to a private school? Open enrollment is an option in many schools in the US. Open enrollment allows students to attend other public schools but without the benefit of transportation. Some areas of the country, like Mississippi, do not promote open enrollment. For each student that leaves a school to attend another, income drops because schools receive funds based on the population count. Cutting from the school budget is always difficult. But, when there is no fat in the budget, it is even tougher. Related articles: Predicting the Cost of College, College Admission Timetable Read previous articles on Educational Issues. Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
The copyright of the article Gone: Art, Music & Sports in Educational Issues is owned by Barbara Pytel. Permission to republish Gone: Art, Music & Sports in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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