Frederick will support Pennsylvania’s schools

To the Editor:

The State of Pennsylvania, with the support of the current Republican House and Senate, has enacted devastating cuts to public education and other state programs needed to serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens; $860 million was cut from education funding in 2011-12 and the Corbett Administration proposed cutting around $100 million from the current year’s support.

Although the Legislature held this year’s funding level the same as last year, the nearly $1 billion cuts in 2011-12 continue to wreak havoc on Pennsylvania’s schools, causing the elimination of programs, furloughing of teachers and increases in class size.

The Central Bucks District lost more than $2 million in actual funding and Pennridge’s funding was reduced more than $1 million for the same period. Although the funding level for this year is the same as last year, more of the money had to go to increases in state-mandated areas like Social Security and pensions, leaving less money for academic programs.

A recent survey by PA School Administrators and Business Officials demonstrated the following:

• Half of the respondents indicated they will be in financial distress within three years

• 75 percent will use reserves to balance this year’s budget

• 60 percent will increase class size

• 50 percent will delay textbook purchases

• 46 percent will trim or eliminate field trips

• 37 percent will cut tutoring programs

• 34 percent will eliminate summer school

• 19 percent are eliminating or reducing early childhood education and full-day kindergarten

It’s time we elect state legislators who support our public schools and those in our state who are the most vulnerable. Unless these issues are addressed, not only will our local taxes increase, but our schools and local governments will continue toward fiscal distress in the years to come.

That’s why I’m supporting Joe Frederick for state Legislature. Melissa Russell

Doylestown