In Video: Educators brace for potential impacts after Department of Education cuts

Echoes of Uncertainty in the Halls of New Jersey High School

As the threat of dismantling the Department of Education looms, uncertainty hangs over Englewood Public Schools, leaving educators and students alike worried about the potential impact on their daily lives. Dr. Marne Hazelton, the superintendent of Englewood Public Schools, shed light on the immediate effects of these proposed cuts and the concerns she has about the vulnerability of her students and faculty.

The First Wave of Cuts

Dr. Hazelton recounted the initial round of cuts, which included a 90% reduction in funding for Medicaid reimbursement, approximately $52,000 cut from the original $280,000 budget. This drastic reduction will affect vital services provided to students, including occupational therapy, mental health services, and physical therapy, which were crucial for some of the most vulnerable students.

Loss of Federal Funding

President Trump has vowed to shift control of education to the states, but what does this mean for schools like Englewood? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 11% of school funding comes from federal sources, while the remaining 89% comes from state and local sources. With every dollar lost, Dr. Hazelton emphasized that the impact is dire: "For every $100,000 in funding that we lose, it’s equivalent to losing one full-time teacher, including their benefits."

Fear of Reduced Funding for Free Meals

Another concern arises from the possibility of losing reimbursements for free meals, which 80% of Englewood students qualify for. Dr. Hazelton cited the importance of providing a hot and nutritious lunch and breakfast, stating, "If children are hungry, they cannot learn." The school has partnered with a local grocery store to open a food pantry, distributing meals every two weeks, but the uncertainty surrounding the fate of these services is unsettling.

The Possibility of Cuts to Sports and Arts Programs

With the prospect of reduced funding, Dr. Hazelton may be forced to make the difficult decision to cut sports and arts programs, which she considers essential in making school a positive experience for students. The arts, in particular, provide an outlet for students to express themselves, with many discovering their talents through participating in school plays and musicals.

School Administrators Face a Daunting Task

As school administrators walk the tightrope of budget constraints, they must prioritize core subjects like English, language arts, and math while contemplating the impact on other essential programs. The uncertainty surrounding funding and the Department of Education’s role in enforcing anti-discrimination laws has left Dr. Hazelton concerned, as she cited the lack of guidance from the federal government on how to proceed if the Department of Education were to disappear.

The Conundrum Ahead

In the face of such uncertainty, school administrators are left to navigate the delicate balance between providing basic services and preserving the overall high school experience. As Dr. Hazelton emphasized, every dollar lost has a significant impact on the district’s ability to provide for its students. The looming threat of cuts looms large, leaving educators and students alike hoping for a resolution to the uncertainty that has taken over the halls of Englewood Public Schools.