Businesses and organizations everywhere are trimming "fat" and plenty of muscle to make it through this rough economy. So, it should be no surprise that school districts are doing the same.
A recent decision by the Snohomish School District to cut two counseling positions in a worthwhile program that helps students get sober and stay away from drugs and alcohol was especially disappointing, but upon further examination it appears reasonable and necessary.
It’s not that these programs and counselors aren’t valuable to our schools and communities. But when pennies are being pinched, districts must focus on the classroom. As Snohomish School District spokeswoman J. Marie Merrifield pointed out, if a child needs drug and alcohol counseling, resources are still available within the community "but if a child needs a textbook, we’re their only option."
Snohomish is hardly the only district facing such dilemmas. Other districts are juggling programs and staff members in their budgets and some are finding themselves spending more than they’re bringing in, as reported in a news article Monday. Both Everett and Edmonds schools have had to make deep cuts only to find costs outweighing revenue. Fortunately, they’ll make up the difference with money carried over from this year. That short-term solution can’t continue, though.
Districts are absorbing a portion of the cost of living increases for teachers as promised by voters and making do with less money from the Legislature in the state budget, along with a host of other cuts here and there that add up. Unless things improve significantly by the start of the next legislative session, it is possible schools will be making serious budget cuts again next year.
It’s encouraging to see the Snohomish School District isn’t eliminating its drug and alcohol programs entirely, as many might think. The district still has $40,000 in grant money — with various strings attached, Merrifield said. Officials are meeting with high school and elementary school representatives this summer to figure out how to use the money. The district is thinking of bringing back a successful mentoring program that pairs adults with elementary school students. They’re also looking at partnerships with local rehabilitation and counseling services. This is the time for community members, businesses and organizations to step up their participation and service in their communities.
"It comes down to impossible choices. And it’s really frustrating." Merrifield said. "We’re all doing the best job we can."
It’s easy to insist that school districts keep that one program or employee. Can’t they find just a little extra money in the budget for one simple program, we ask? The answer is no. Not when every program on the chopping block is met with that question. Painful decisions must be made — and accepted.
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