Budget Cuts (463)

Budget cuts. This is all we have been hearing for the last few weeks. But what is really ringing in our ears is the constant “Our governor doesn’t care about our education”.

                In response to the new budget, Kennedy High School had to make some changes. Instead of a 6 hour school day, the day will be extended to 7 periods. This allows for more classes by one teacher and, yes, means we don’t need as many teachers resulting in a layoff. This announcement came as a shock right before school one morning and then the teachers were released to teach their classes. It broke my heart as my homeroom teacher explained that she would have to search for a new job because she would probably get cut.

                May I also add that this is my third homeroom teacher? All of my friends have gotten the pleasure of keeping their one homeroom teacher for all years of high school and every year my homeroom gets a new one. 

                It came as a huge slap in the face because it scares me that my own governor does not care about my education enough to fund it. We have the funds, but to Branstad something is more important than the future. What are we teaching our kids when we tell them that each year the budget gets lower and lower, leaving longer school days and loved teachers let off because we are not allowed the amount of money needed to maintain excellence. 
               I attend the number one rated high school in Iowa. Kennedy is known for its diversity in students, passion in extra circulars, and of course our AP test numbers and scores. How in the world will we be able to stay at this  level of greatness at our school if we don't have enough money? How will students be able to show their passions during art classes when there are no art teachers? Future careers can easily be shot down if a student doesn't even know they like the activity if there is no opportunity.
              How is the governor supposed to look at all of the kindergartners of next years classes and explain to them that he doesn't care enough about the artist, the astronaut, the singer, or the painter in the group that they don't deserve the opportunity. That he doesn't care enough about their education to show them their passions and their future. I am glad that when i was in kindergarten, i looked into my elementary school education knowing i had a chance every day to go to music, gym, or art. Places where kids around me found their passions and are following them now.
             Fund us. Fund them. Fund the future. Make us believe that you actually care, governor.