The 2010 budget for the Anne Arundel School District has come out (http://www.aacps.org/html/press/budget/2010_impact.pdf ) and like last year, the budget includes some very unpopular cuts. These cuts translate into potentially losing teachers, teachers losing benefits (or having to pay more for them) and a lack funding for necessary repairs/renovations to our schools.
Many Anne Arundel Elementary schools will see a lose of teachers. Not all Anne Arundel parents or teachers for that matter are happy with the prospect of seeing class sizes increasing and are wondering where that will leave their children. Superindendent Dr. Maxwell has said that the lost positions will be absorbed into the school system. Additional teachers will be needed at middle schools because they are changing to six periods in a day. Teachers are also needed at Bates Middle School, South River and North County high schools.
The budget also shows the lack of funds needed by Anne Arundel schools for their feasibility study, revitalization, replacement or renovation. Some schools that were slated to have their construction start now will not be able to. Schools that are still trying to have their studies done to see what to do with them have been pushed back by at least another year. One example is the Severna Park High School. The schools is in such poor condition that it came close to losing it's accreditation however a feasibility study may not be done until 2016 which would mean no construction until at least 2020.
The teachers are also feeling the current budget cuts. The school board had requested additional funding to meet the neogiated aggrements and employee benefits. County Council has proposed $0 for the request.
The County Council will hold two public hearings on the County Executive’s proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget. The hearings are scheduled for Monday, May 11, at Old Mill High School, and Wednesday, May 13, at the Arundel Center. Both hearings begin at 7:00 p.m. Speakers can sign up beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Council must adopt a budget by June 1. Whoever has concerns regarding these matters should come to these meeting to express their concerns.
The economic impact of the 2009 recession has clearly made its mark in Maryland and the impact is now being felt at the county/ school level. Anne Arundel County is known for strong strong schools and an emphasis on education. Will that impact affect real estate values? There is a distinct possibility, lets ensure our schools are properly funded for the benefit of all!