WASHINGTON, D.C. – Budget problems will force $40 million in budget cuts by D.C. Public Schools by the end of October. The move announced Wednesday could prompt teacher layoffs and increasing class sizes.
The D.C. schools budget is estimated at $700 million, and the budget ax has fallen. It’s still uncertain of the effect it will have on which schools, but we do know many teachers will soon be out of a job. It’s the biggest hit they have faced since 2003. The cuts come less than a month into the new school year.
The city’s budget problems mean $40 million will have to come from the classroom. In short, teachers will be pink slipped.
The anger is already mounting.
“I don’t see how we can absorb these types of cuts without it having an impact on our ability to educate our children and give children a quality education,” said George Parker, President of the Washington Teachers Union.
At a late afternoon press conference, the mayor and D.C. schools chancellor announced the bad news. Both were short on specifics, but did their best to assure parents and staff.
