Economic Downturn Devastates Public Schools

In my prior blogs as Superintendent of Hopatcong Public Schools I emphasized the unusual challenges we face this year as a result of the uncertain economic times. These circumstances cause us to do things as a school board that under normal conditions would not be even thought of. The idea that a massive reduction-in-force is taking place nationwide seems unreal given the potential that 275,000 public school employees may out of work this July 1, 2010 (AASA 5/4/2010). This is unprecedented. The Public Schools of Hopatcong are in a similar position with a serious budget shortfall looming, increased mandated expenses, and other necessary contractual obligations pending.




We anticipated the loss of about twenty-four key positions prior to our budget election. Due to the defeat of the school budget it appears that the governing bodies may reduce the proposed budget even further. Historically and unfortunately, this has been the pattern in Hopatcong. During these difficult budgetary times of increased expenses and state reductions any further cuts will no doubt result in the additional loss of staff members. By extension, the loss of additional teachers will be certain to affect instruction at the classroom level as class sizes rise across grade levels.



According to the American Association of School Administrators (5/4/2010), Projection of National Education Job Cuts for the 2010-2011 School Year, a survey documenting personnel cuts in education found that school systems across the nation are facing serious challenges as a result of the economic downturn. AASA asserts that 82% of school districts reporting will cut or eliminate education jobs by July 1, 2010. The 300,000 jobs saved last year by virtue of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act will likely be reduced by 92%.



According to the Economic Policy Institute every 100,000 education jobs lost translates into roughly 30,000 jobs lost in other sectors due to reduced spending by school districts. Schools have been insulated from the impact of the economic conditions to this date due to the lag in contracts and the variation in their fiscal year - typically from July 1 through June 30. However, when July 1, 2010, rolls around the educational community could find itself short over 300,000 jobs. This will not be a good thing for the American economy nor her schools. Regardless of this fact, over 48 million students will show up for the 2010-2011 school year in all fifty states and we will have to be prepared to teach them.



American schools may be unwillingly entering a new chapter in the long history of public education. The progress that we have made over the past decades may take a back seat as valuable resources shrink or disappear from view. The future remains very uncertain as we attempt to find the means to individualize and customize educational experiences for a wide variety of young people. We must prevail in these uncertain times-our very future depends on it.