The recent budget cuts in the Timberlane Regional School District have teachers parents wondering what the future of our classes will look like. After voters approved big cuts to the school budget earlier this year the district has been forced to make some tough choices. We talked to a hand full of teachers to find out how these changes are actually affecting the classrooms and heres what they said.
How it would effect bigger classes
Mr. Deveney said hes already noticed a difference. “Class sizes have definitely gotten bigger” he also explained, “We still need all the same materials but now we’re stretching things further than before.”
Mrs. Brien who teaches language classes agreed the cuts have had an impact. “Its affected class sizes a little” she also said, “No clubs will be cut.” which is a great sign for students but will it effect other classrooms?
Cooking Classes and Big Budget classes
Some of the teachers hit hardest are the ones who run electives. Mrs. Monti, who teaches cooking and sewing said she’s had to make a lot of changes because supplies are so expensive.
“We’ve had to cut down on recipes, change portion sizes, or drop some projects altogether” she said. “These classes give kids real world skills, so it’s tough to see opportunities taken away.”
Sports and Activities Feeling the Squeeze
Mrs. Stewart said sports are facing challenges too. “We have a lot of athletic programs that cost quite a bit of money, but these activities are very important in the lives of students.” Mrs. Stewart explained, “Boosters help a lot, but the budget cuts make things harder for everyone.”
On the bright side, Mrs. Brien told me there are no plans to cut any clubs right now, which is good news for students who rely on them for fun, friends, and college applications.
Field Trips and Extra Opportunities
Mrs. Takesain said she’s especially worried about field trips. “The cuts mean fewer opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom.”
Mixed Feelings Among Teachers
Not everyone feels the same way. Mr. Blaska pointed out that the budget cuts didn’t directly change his classroom. “It was bound to happen,” Mr. Blaska said. “The towns were pushing back on taxes so this was coming sooner or later.”
But for most teachers, the concern is what this means for students moving forward.
Looking Ahead
For now the school is trying to make things work with less money, but the effects are already showing up in bigger classes, fewer supplies, and limited activities.
