In this report from Learning Matters television, correspondent John Tulenko reports on the education programs in Rochester City public schools that have received federal stimulus dollars.
During the last fiscal year, Rochester City Schools had a $50 million budget shortfall and was expecting to fire about 500 employees, which would have cut significant programs for the city. But the federal stimulus program signed by the president in February sent $100 billion to the nation's schools to be spent over two years.
Rochester received $30 million, enough to restore jobs and continue the work of unique education programs that many students and parents rely on. Stimulus funds run out after two years, however, and districts will have to find the money to continue sponsoring school programs.
In this video, John Tulenko talks to city officials, educators and the students directly affected by funding from the national stimulus program.
Quotes
"Sometimes, I would be having problems figuring things out. Like, sometimes~, I'm reading something and I don't really get it. I would raise my hand. I didn't know what I was doing. I just wasn't learning." - Andrew Walker, student
“Because we know America can't outcompete the world tomorrow if our children are being outeducated today, we're making the largest investment in education in our nation's history.” - President Barack Obama
Warm Up Questions
1. Where does your school get money for books, electricity bills, teacher salaries?
2. How has the recession affected businesses? Schools? Local governments?
Discussion Questions
1. What happens when school districts face budget shortfalls? Which programs are the first to be cut?
2. What are the pros and cons of using federal funding to keep small educational programs alive?
3. How has the recession affected your school community? Has your school district faced budget cuts?
Additional Resources
