Oregon to see reductions in school budgets

For the remaining five months in the 2008-2009 school year there could be as much as a $600 million deficit in the state budget. This hole grows larger as the number of families seeking financial help from the state increases.

More than 23 thousand Oregon families received welfare payments in the last month. This number is the highest it has been in ten years.

“I am very aware that there is a common subject of conversation in school these days concerning budget cuts,” said Principal Lynn Baker. “It is very early in the budget process and information out of Salem and Washington D.C. changes almost daily.”

The economic woes hit Oregon very hard, and the state’s education is feeling the problem in a major way. 

Oregon City closed Park Place Elementary School and may be forced to lay off 60 teachers due to the serious financial crisis. They also took the first steps toward eliminating all elementary level physical education and music programs.

The state is looking to lay off more than 7000 people to save a reported $100 million. Over 45 thousand people are employed by the state, including higher education employees. State workers are also subjected to eight unpaid days of leave over the next two years.

The local community, in turn, feels this strain. The Bend LaPine School District depends on the state for its funding. The precise revenue shortfall is not known at this time.

“At Summit we are sitting in a relatively good position,” said Baker. “We are the only high school [in the district] projected to have increased enrollment next year. That bodes well for the staff and programs in place as they are. If we do have openings, they will most likely be filled through transfers within the district.”

Despite this positive thinking, the Bend LaPine School Districtmay have to cut five days from the end of the school year. 

The district will also be imposing absolute minimum hiring which could possibly result in unfilled positions.

Supply and material allocations will be cut by 15 percent including a 15 percent cut in athletic supplies.

Out of state field trips have been restricted already. The district plans to eliminate all out of state travel unless it is absolutely necessary and will not impact the general fund. 

Schools will also review in-state travel for sports teams to ensure they are essential. With the expenses of buses and hotel fees, the district wants to minimize all money spent in regards to travel.

Grants for higher education also have seen a decrease over the past months. More than 1500 students are currently on the waiting list for state grants. 

On average, each full time student who currently receives a state grant will have $80 less and each part-time student will have $40 less. When put in perspective with the average textbook cost of $100, this cut could hurt each student quite a bit.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has attempted to increase education funding but with the current recession, these efforts may fall short. Kulongoski refuses to dip into Oregon’s “rainy day fund,” though, because he worries that money will be needed further down the road.

“For me, picking a school is about practicality,” said senior Kenney Hersch. “I’m going to a state college because I don’t want to be in debt. It’s about financial security in the long run.”