[nfbwatlk] FW: STATEMENT From State Superintendent Randy Dorn About the Sequester

[Mike Freeman]

From: Dean Stenehjem [mailto:Dean.Stenehjem at wssb.wa.gov] 
Sent: Friday, March 01, 2013 3:50 PM
Subject: FW: STATEMENT From State Superintendent Randy Dorn About the
Sequester

 

FYI

 

 

Statement From State Superintendent Randy Dorn About the Sequester

 

OLYMPIA (March 1, 2013) - Drastic cuts to federal spending resulting from
the inability of the U.S. Congress to compromise on a budget, known as
"Sequestration," take effect today. Programs in the U.S. Department of
Education could be cut by about $4.1 billion for the 2013-14 school year.

 

These cuts are significant and will have a real impact on education in
Washington state. They hurt the kids and families who are struggling the
most. I'm deeply troubled by the U.S. government's inability to take the
necessary steps to prevent this debacle. I urge Congress and the president
to work quickly to agree on a budget so the full effects of the Sequester
can be avoided.

 

Some of the areas affected include Impact Aid and Head Start, which will
feel the cuts right away, as well as Title I and special education, which
will feel the cuts in the next school year.

 

*	Impact Aid: Local property taxes are the primary source of funding
for Washington state school districts. When large amounts of nontaxable
federal lands exist in a district (like Indian reservations and military
bases), schools in those areas have no way to generate enough funds to
operate. Created in 1950 as a way to offset this problem, federal Impact Aid
replaces those lost tax dollars. It is estimated that Impact Aid will lose
just over $2 million for Fiscal Year 2013.
*	Head Start: Cuts to Head Start programs, which provide comprehensive
education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income
children and their families, will also be effective immediately, are
estimated to total about $9 million this fiscal year in Washington state. 
*	Title I: Washington state's Title I funding, intended to improve the
academic achievement of students in families with low income, is estimated
to be reduced by almost $13 million for School Year 2013-14.  
*	Special Education: Special education programs, as part of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help students with
special needs, will lose an estimated $11 million next school year. 

 

Kristen Jaudon

Communications Specialist

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

360.725.6032 (o) | 360.481.9099 (c)

kristen.jaudon at k12.wa.us

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