Resolution on fighting cuts to school budgets (2-08)

Feb 14, 2008 10:38 AM

Whereas, the Department of Education imposed an immediate 1.75 percent budget cut for all New York City public schools – a midyear cut that is extremely disruptive because schools’ schedules, programs and staffing for the year are in place; and

Whereas, principals, facing city budget cuts ranging from $9,000 to $447,587, may attempt to cut funds for classrooms and other core services that are essential for educating children; and

Whereas, the cut to the Department of Education’s budget will double – to $324 million – for the next school year; and

Whereas, the state budget also proposes to give city schools about $200 million less than was expected, which will stall progress in reducing class size, expanding full day pre-k and CTR programs, improving middle schools and services for English language learners; and

Whereas, there are many other areas that the DOE should cut before reducing spending on classrooms, such as the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on experimental programs, consultants, no-bid contracts, excessive and redundant testing and paperwork; and

Whereas, a promise has been made by government officials to ensure the quality education of our city’s children, even in times of economic uncertainty; and

Whereas, in the absence of an independent Board of Education and an independent Chancellor, public school children need champions to intervene and protect them; and

Whereas, the UFT has reached out to labor unions, parents and community groups to coalesce around fighting these funding cuts and demanding that the DOE find other ways to reduce costs; and

Whereas, such a coalition has already begun; therefore be it

Resolved, that the UFT call upon the DOE to open its books including but not limited to the full view table of organization as a necessary first step to identify cuts that will not directly affect the classroom or hurt core education programs; and be it further

Resolved, that the UFT actively participate in this coalition with parents, community group, and political and civic leaders to lobby against the cuts.

Passed at the Feb. 6, 2008 Delegate Assembly.