Wary of education cuts

Does day-to-day news distract us from the things that really matter to our daily lives? Have we lost focus? Is this what President Trump hopes will happen so that he can push through cuts to programs that will greatly affect us?

I am particularly focused on what is happening with the Department of Education. How could it affect our kids? I am not talking about curriculum; the department has never had the authority to determine or set educational curriculum requirements. That belongs to the states and to communities. So, why should I be worried?

As a public-school teacher for 43 years working in a rural school district, I know how important federal funding is for low-income students and for students with disabilities. It assures that every child has access to high quality education in a safe and inclusive environment.

However, the Trump administration proposes to give states block grants to use as they see fit. This removes accountability or oversight on how these dollars are spent. Right now, the federal government provides more than $14 billion a year to schools with high concentrations of students living in poverty. Sixty percent of Bradford’s student population lives in poverty and 37% receive Medicaid. How will we provide funding for supplemental support such as reading specialists, after-school programs and smaller class sizes.

The Center for American Progress predicts that if Title I programs are eliminated, 180,000 teaching positions could be lost, harming 2.8 million students in low-income communities. It will make it even harder for students with disabilities to receive the services they need.

Additionally, all federal funding for students receiving Pell Grants, federal student loans, and loan repayment and forgiveness could disappear. Thirty percent of U.S. college students rely on these loans.

Rahm Emanuel said, “There is no equity without education.” I say there is no democracy without a government that supports and encourages educating our youth.

I am focused on this issue and call my representatives regularly to let them know how important these federal programs are to kids in our rural community. I hope you will do the same.

Marie C. Troskosky, Bradford

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