With all the talk of the current crisis in education funding and all the budget shortfalls, I was surprised to read that states have been conservative in using money provided by the federal government. In August of 2010, Congress set aside $10 billion for states to use to help stabilize their education funding. Oregon has used approximately 19% of the 117.95 million dollars awarded. Our neighbors in Washington and California have used a far greater percentage, 45.6 and 89.5% respectively. Sadly, some states are not able to access any of these funds due to the strings attached to the money. To be eligible to receive funds states have to show that they can maintain certain funding levels. For example, a state would need to show they can provide K-12 services at least at the same level they did in 2009.
While I am pleased to hear that the federal government is supporting education and assisting states with budget shortfalls, I wish Oregon would disperse more of the funding directly to districts. Over the last two years I have seen Dallas school district go from 3 great elementary schools, down to 2 elementary schools with no music programs and limited physical education. Next year they are planning to cut 4 teaching positions at each elementary school and increase class sizes to 30 to 33 students. I think local schools are in crisis mode now and this money the state is simply holding on to could have a huge impact in smaller districts!
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