I am troubled by Governor Hogan’s refusal to release $68 million in education funding to our local schools. By not releasing the money, Hogan shortchanges Maryland public education by $68 million, which would have gone to schools in 13 counties. The state legislature restored this money to the budget, the money is there, but Hogan refuses to release it.
Maryland is presently among the top five states in educational achievement. Business leaders and investors are attracted to our state in part by our first rate educational policies. If the state withholds money from schools, will those investors still be attracted to our state? Do we want our schools to fall into a lower rank?
Money withheld at the state level begets less money at the county level as well. This affects directly all our public school systems, pre-K through college level. Public school systems have to cut teaching positions, increase class size, and cut back on services provided. We all know that the poorer school districts will suffer the greatest losses, but don’t be fooled. These cuts will trickle into all our districts, all of which are challenged financially. Talk to teachers or administrators at any school.
Poorer districts need all the help they can get. Education is critical in reducing poverty and all its myriad manifestations. Healthier districts need to be able to sustain good performance and grow with the population. Schools—teachers, administrators, books, and buildings—these do not live on air or good intentions.
I hope every citizen in every county will demand county and state investment in our schools and our students. Hogan’s actions will take our schools backwards at a time when we can least afford it.
Marion Grier
Centreville
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