Schools need to learn how to use their resources more effectively. The answer has always been to throw more money at it, hire more teachers, hire more support staff, hire more specialists. Doing so hasn't made a bit of difference in the test scores at our schools.
Our test scores are good and have always been good. They improve one year and go down the next. It depends a lot on the kids and the parents and how much they value education.

When more money is added, it's often not used effectively. I've subbed, and have seen the waste. A reading teacher working one on one with students that could get that extra help they need in groups of three just as effectively. Aides that accompany kids to gym, but just sit there. They could be working with classrooms that don't have an aide during that time. AP classes with only 6 kids in them. Offer them every other year. We've had new computer labs installed into rooms that weren't wired properly or airconditioned, so they sat for a year, unused until they could get money to prepare the room. We've had smart boards installed and no software purchased, so they're used like overhead projectors. Waste, waste, waste.

Of course, I'm in NY where the teachers unions are strong. Reducing teaching staff is always difficult. We have them now wearing union t-shirts on certain days of the week and putting signs in their windows. Love contract negortiation years.

What really stinks is that the over-whelming majority of the teachers at our schools are fantastic people. They don't make the decisions. They show up and do what they're assigned to do and they do it well. Many of them get disgusted by the waste too.

Whatever you do, support the programs that mean something to your members. Don't be fundraisers for the district. Raise the funds you need to carry out your mission. Don't be sucked into buying supplies or closing budget gaps. That isn't your job.

It would be nice to hear from some experts and get their impression of what will happen to test scores and the quality of education after budget cuts occur.

I think that schools will be taking a hard look at their fundraising efforts in order to look critically about how they can raise more without fundraisers becoming less effective.

I am concerned as well because I get the feeling that PTO groups will be relied on even more in the near future and I don't know if that is reasonable or not to ask more of these already busy groups?

So, we are facing tough times, schools' budgets are being slashed and class sizes are getting bigger - but the curriculum is MORE demanding. How is your district planning to keep ahead of test scores? How is your PTO getting involved? Have your districts or your PTO made any investments to help the students stay on task in an engaging way? Aren't we tired of buying jumpropes, folders, amd playground equipment when so much is at stake? Would love to hear your thoughts . . .