Friday, September 13, 2013

"State School Funding Lower than in 2008"


“State School Funding Lower Than in ‘08”
            In 2008 America was in the midst of a recession that would go on for the next few years. Many businesses were floundering, including real estate, local businesses, restaurants, and the public school system. The funding for schools was minimal because in Pennsylvania the funding comes from taxes. In fact, according to the 2010 census, 44 percent of school revenue comes from property taxes; the national average being 28 percent.
            Today, in The Philadelphia Inquirer, I read an article about school funding. It is lower now than it was in the midst of the recession in 2008. Per student, the state of Pennsylvania is spending $192 less than in 2008. In 2011, Pennsylvania’s average state funding share fell to 34 percent while New Jersey’s raised to 37 percent; with those figures, PA is the tenth lowest in the nation. The article offered no proposals to solution nor did it mention a solution would soon become available.
The article caught my attention because West Chester is a public school and is being directly affected by this lack of funding. The lack of funding means schools all over PA do not get to enjoy the little things like printers in the classroom, unlimited copies in the library, and pencils to borrow from the teacher. I know often times teachers would have to supply their own pencils, scissors, markers and other school supplies to the students if the teacher chose to have those things in the classroom. The lack of funding makes those things more appreciated because if the state cannot fund for students to print in the library, teachers cannot provide a printer and paper, so the students suffer. Overall, the story interested me greatly and I hope there is something that can be done to eventually increase the funding to public schools so that we, as students, can continue to learn in an environment conducive to learning.


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