That's according to a survey conducted last month by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), which found that districts nationwide already have begun implementing belt-tightening measures in response to shrinking budgets. The survey also suggests the slumping economy could threaten the gains in student achievement that schools have fought so hard to attain–and it could undermine their capacity to deliver essential services. 'In many communities, schools are on the front lines of the economic downturn,' said AASA President Randall Collins, superintendent of schools in Waterford, Conn. 'Schools provide essential resources for children in need, especially during tough economic times. We need to ensure schools have adequate funding, so we don't put our children at risk during these challenging economic times.'
34 % of superintendents surveyed said that they have deferred technology purchases as a result of the current recession, putting this solution among the top 10 responses. 67% of superintendents described their districts as 'inadequately funded.' Only 30 % described their districts as 'adequately funded,' and two percent said their districts have surplus funding. The poor economy isn't just affecting school programs, according to the survey; it's also affecting families and, therefore, students' readiness to learn.
