Budget cuts across the nation are affecting today’s students. Teacher jobs are being cut, class size is growing, and programs implemented to better our student population for a brighter tomorrow are disappearing.

State funded programs like St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo, New York, are among those in danger of disappearance, according to a recent article published by BuffaloNews.com.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s planned 2011 budget proposes shifting funds for New York’s 11 state-funded schools for deaf, blind and disabled children from the state to local school districts.

These “4201″ schools cost the state an average of $93,000 per pupil. New York’s administrative government says this price tag is too high when compared to the state’s 100+ additional special education schools that average $41,000 per pupil.

According to The Buffalo News, Cuomo also wants to take away the power of the 11 schools to refer students to their programs and place this responsibility on local school districts. Without the expertise of professionals with evaluation skills necessary to make these referrals, critics and members of local school districts fear students will not receive the help they need.

While parents interviewed have no complaints about the quality of education provided by local school districts, they insist that the districts would fall short in meeting the special educations needs of their children. “St. Mary’s gives her everything she needs right now,” JoAnn Watson told The Buffalo News of her 4th grade daughter, Elise.

How do you feel New York should handle this budget crisis? Cuomo’s budget director, Robert Megna, recognizes the “amazing work” done by New York’s 4201 schools, but insists that everyone must share the unfortunate impact of the cuts.

When a country faces financial crisis, at point do you think education should help carry the burden? Read the full article here: Deaf pupils rally in Albany.

Source: www.buffalonews.com