About the Beat

It is no secret the United States’ economy is in a recession. What has also become apparent in the past few years is that public education is one of the first items on the chopping block when budgets are reconstructed. The effects are felt at every level of the education system from elementary, middle and high schools to the state universities. Cuts to education budgets have been in the news for decades, and with each slash the results become more magnified. As a result, students and families have been taking on a larger financial obligation, especially at the collegiate level.
Now, with hard times falling upon more and more families, the decreased affordability of education is taking a more dramatic toll. That can even be seen in primary and secondary schooling. Private schools are becoming less of an option for Americans and that not only makes it more difficult for the schools losing enrollment to operate, but puts a larger burden on the already-stretched public schools those children are entering.
Another part of the education system that is taking a hit due to the economy is scholarships and financial aid. College tuition nowadays is a small fortune even at a state school, and there is less money being provided to help offset the cost for potential students. There are also more people applying for financial aid and scholarships than ever before because of the worsened economy, further compounding the problem.
As a student at Washington State University, I see first-hand the consequences these drastic budget cuts are having on our school, but we are not alone. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is even worse in some places and those nation-wide issues can offer a glimpse at what may be in store for this region. Follow me as I explore what happens in the education realm during the next four months and how it may affect the Northwest.
Please direct any questions or comments to mwalsh88@wsu.edu.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

News from the Weekend

Budget cuts are beginning to take a toll on all levels of education:

Vancouver school superintendent takes pay cut

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Vancouver, Wash., school Superintendent Steven Webb has voluntarily taken a 4.5 percent pay cut, and he's asking teachers to take a 1 percent reduction.

Citing state budget cuts, Webb says he's having his pay cut to $204,370 from $214,000.

Ann Giles, president of the Vancouver Education Association, says teachers already face a loss of two days' pay under legislation pending in Olympia. She adds that they'll also likely pay more out of pocket for medical benefits.

The teachers receive (between) $38,526 and $70,387 a year. They don't expect to see a 4.2 percent raise once promised by the state, but they'll still get increases of $460 to $1,200 for another year of
classroom experience.

Vancouver schools face a $5.6 million to $8 million shortfall out of a $212 million budget.

Fees jumping at University of Idaho:

Redistributing wealth
MARCUS KELLIS, Argonaut
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