The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
In the past seven years, the state's funding for preschool programs has more than tripled, and early education was a hallmark of former Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's policies.
But faced with an unprecedented shortfall, the Republican-led House has proposed a budget that would cut back on early education and could signal a philosophical shift about funding for these programs.
"The House budget would turn back the clock on our progress," said Angela A. Ciolfi, with JustChildren, a legal aid and advocacy group. The proposed cuts would hit low-income districts particularly hard, because how much money each school division receives for the program would be based on student population instead of the number of children on subsidized lunch.
The proposed budgets from the Senate and Gov. Bob McDonnell did not suggest any reductions to the Virginia Preschool Initiative, on which the state spent $58.6 million in 2009, up from $18.1 million in 2003. But the House proposal combines the preschool program, early reading intervention and additional money for educating at-risk children into one pot and would let school divisions decide which programs to keep and cut. The total pot of money also would be reduced by $50 million, or about 16 percent.
"Obviously, we felt that pre-K has grown too much in the Kaine years," said Del. Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, a budget conferee and teacher.
Cox said that while early education can be helpful to low-income children, he is uncertain about its universal expansion.
Kaine initially wanted a $300 million universal preschool program. Budget shortfalls and resistance from some legislators forced him to pare back his plans. He launched some pilot programs and got additional funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative, which was started by Gov. George Allen's administration.
McDonnell is supportive of the preschool program, said Taylor Thornley, the governor's spokeswoman.
But McDonnell also has emphasized charter schools as a cornerstone of his educational plan s.
The expansion of early education was a sign of better economic times, Cox said.
With the state's limited money, House budget officials wanted local school divisions to decide what to do with the money and which programs are most effective for their children, Cox said.
In defending the House's education budget, Del. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, said, "We've been too prescriptive and we've put standards in.... One size doesn't fit all."
Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com
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schools and cuts
I read many of the blogs about the budget cuts for the pre school programs. This I think is obsurd. Here is a novel idea! First lets do away with this no child left behind crap and get discipline back in the schools the way it ought to be. There is no reason teachers should fear for their lives just for doing their jobs. Next lets do away with all of these alternative schools Lets get the that we have to send the little thugs too simply because they can't behave and respect authority. I also say that if a kid has not graduated by age eighteen and six monthes, unless there are seriously extenuating circumstances! Put them out, if they don't have it by then they never will! Lets get the GPA's back up where they should be; maybe like a 2.7. It is my opinion if you get these kids out of the schools who don't want to be there anyway then the system would not have to cut pre school programs, where the child needs it the most!
Population not so bad
I am a middle class parent with two children. We my children we old enough to start attending Preschool, they were told by the local public school they could not because they didn't fall within the income requirement. All the slots were full by other children that didn't have as much money as we did. Might I say again, our bills were paid but there was not money left over. So because we were not on public assistance we were not excepted. I got another job and I sent my children to private school were they have attended all their lives. One has graduated and is in college(where I still get no help) and they other will graduate this year. Maybe if it was based on population than all the children poor or not would have been able to attend and I would not of had to pay over 120, 000.00 to send my children to school.
just a thought
I understand your frustration, but you chose to send your children to private school. You could have easily sent them to public school after preschool. Another option is to get welfare just like them. Otherwise, it is useless to complain because politicians are doing nothing at all to cut out welfare! Also, preschool acceptance is determined by individual districts. My children went to public pre-kindergarten in Newport News and I make almost 50,000.
huh?
what public school refuses a child entry because the parent(s) make too much money???????
Stop playing the Blame Game
It's easier to play the blame game instead of actively DOING something to fix our issues with the economy and in education. The "fix" I'm referring to doesn't involve hating on the politicians WE put in office (by voting or NOT voting), becoming desperate enough to manipulate SOL scores, or pointing fingers at hardworking parents who are struggling to make ends meet in this tough economy. WE THE PEOPLE have every right and should feel obligated to hold our elected officials accountable to do what's best for ALL involved. The citizens of VA should not become content with just sitting back and complaining.
Stop blaming everyone.....but teachers?
What? It's not ok to blame the wealthy politicians who hurt public education with their policies but it's ok to blame the teachers? Yeah, ok, we can really have a productive conversation with you.
blame! blame! blame! accepting responsibility???
When a student (assuming no learning disabilities) does not learn then the problem does lay with the teachers. AND, the parents for not paying attention to the progress. AND, the school's administration for not following up with the progress. AND,
Hillary Clinton was almost right when she said it takes a village to raise a child. The problem will continue to have students that will fail and not learn until we focus on the parents. If the parents don't get involved then ...... we all know what happens.
It isn't the wealthy politicians that allows the kids to fail - it is the teachers and the parents - not necessarily in that order.
politicians share the blame as well
Teachers are simply puppets. We have no real power. We are told what to do on a daily basis. We get no money to buy supplies, so we use our own money. Politicians are holding the purse strings. They release those strings to the school boards. Everyone wants to blame the teacher but we simply do as we are told. They never ask us about a program. Parents and I am one need to do a better job of teaching their children respect and the value of education, but that is hard because most of them don't care about education and do know the first thing about respect.
Cutting Education
Norfolk spends its money on the over-budget, and what will be under-used light rail. Oh, but wait, with all the cuts to education, most students won't be able to read to pass the driver's license test, so it will be needed. Less money in education, means less quality teachers and education. Norfolk Public Schools will never be World Class, they will always be "Third" World Class. McDonnel is giving the money to Northern Virginia because they seem to spend their money a little wiser. Norfolk should be able to pay for their educational needs, if they managed money a little better.
Cutting Education
Norfolk spends its money on the over-budget, and what will be under-used light rail. Oh, but wait, with all the cuts to education, most students won't be able to read to pass the driver's license test, so it will be needed. Less money in education, means less quality teachers and education. Norfolk Public Schools will never be World Class, they will always be "Third" World Class. McDonnel is giving the money to Northern Virginia because they seem to spend their money a little wiser. Norfolk should be able to pay for their educational needs, if they managed money a little better.