LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Local Teachers Strive To Protect Students from Federal Funding Cuts
It’s well known that teachers often spend hundreds of their own dollars each year on classroom supplies - about $450 in Virginia on average during the past school year.
What often goes unrecognized is the tremendous time and energy teachers and staff spend securing grants that bring vital funds into our schools.
This year, Page County Public Schools staff and teachers secured roughly $2 million in multi-year grants supporting STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) education, school safety, students who struggle in school and students from low-income families, summer meals, and community schools, as explained at a recent school board meeting.
These efforts are especially important now because large federal funding cuts and severe staff cuts at the Department of Education, pose serious challenges for our schools. These staff cuts include personnel responsible for supporting not only the many programs listed above, but also after-school programs, students with disabilities, and teacher training. Those cuts will be a big blow to our schools.
Thanks to the tremendous effort and dedication of our teachers and staff, the grants they secured bring a near two-million dollar boost for Page County schools. This demonstrates the commitment of our educators to provide excellent opportunities to our students - despite the federal funding cuts.
Sincerely,
Kathleen White
Luray
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