What About The Children?

The state of California is in a financial mess, and numerous cuts have to be made to save the state money. Sadly last month, Los Angeles Unified School District, and other school districts around the state, announced they were cutting summer programs. Many parents depend upon summer programs for child care while they are at work. My son is not old enough to attend public school yet, but he does go to daycare. I was told by the daycare owner that her phone is ringing non-stop with parents desperately searching for an alternative to the no longer active summer programs. Unfortunately, she is unable to take on the extra load of children.

We live in a society where, in most cases, both parents have to work. Daycares and nannies are expensive. My husband and I shell out well over $10,000 a year on child care for our son. Not unlike many other parents, we have no family members close enough to help watch our son when needed. These cutbacks on summer programs will cause a major strain on many parents, as well as, set back students who use summer school to get ahead.

To me, education cuts do not seem like the answer. Even if slashing the summer programs saves California hundreds of thousands of dollars, how much will we be sacrificing in our future? A good education is the key to ensuring better, higher paying jobs for our children which in turn means more money collected by the state in the form of taxes. I am deeply concerned about what shape the education program will be like in the next couple of years once my son is attending public school.

I'm curious, what your thoughts are on cuts in education in California or where you live? Do you feel it is a mistake or can compromises be made?

UPDATE: Poll Results 6/9/09 - 6/16/09

Should summer programs be cut to save your state money?
85% No, education is important
14% No, childcare is expensive
00% Yes, if the state is in debt
00% Summer school sucks anyway
00% Meh