Schools Need More Help, But Money Is Short

The county’s new budget for the next school year is a mixed bag. It keeps many teachers in place, but it also leaves holes that could hurt students who need extra support. Early‑grade kids are showing more emotional challenges, which can turn into disruptive or even dangerous situations for teachers. Because of this, the county asked for 82. 2 new special‑education spots—including teachers, aides and therapists—but only 26 were included in the executive’s plan. The rest of the positions, many of which have been paid for by Medicaid in the past, will be lost when state cuts hit. The district has to juggle its own budget gaps by moving teachers from regular classrooms into special‑education roles. That shift will mean bigger class sizes next year and less help for general‑education students. It also cuts out other vital roles such as a social worker, psychologist and English‑language teachers that help the most vulnerable learners.The money coming in from state funding has dropped by $25 million, and the county’s own revenue is also shrinking. At the same time, costs for utilities, fuel and health benefits are climbing. The teachers’ union is happy that no layoffs are happening, but they say the budget still feels stuck at “good” instead of reaching the “great” level that the superintendent wants. One area where the budget falls short is pay for teachers. The executive offered a 2. 25 % cost‑of‑living adjustment, while the board had asked for 3 %. That amount is also below today’s inflation rate, making it harder to keep and attract good educators. There are ways the county could raise more money for schools. For high earners—those making $400, 000 or more—a tiny tax bump could bring in extra revenue. Tweaking income‑tax brackets so that wealthier residents pay a bit more would also help. The county could rethink its proposed property‑tax cut, which is currently 0. 9 %. Even a small reduction in that cut could bring millions of dollars back into the school budget. If leaders are willing to try these options, they could give students and teachers the support they truly need. It’s a chance to move from “good” to “great, ” and the community could benefit in the long run.