Re: “Federal education cuts hit WA schools hard” (July 3, Education Lab):
As a parent with two sons in Seattle Public Schools, I am disgusted by the ongoing efforts to dismantle public education — now reaching a dangerous new level with the proposal in Congress to slash $12 billion from education in the appropriations budget bill. Our school district would lose $9-plus million, according to the nonpartisan Education Law Center ($209-plus million to Washington state). These cuts are a massive attack on our children’s future.
My sons have learned multiple instruments and different languages, they’ve visited the school nurse and we’ve met with school counselors. These are typically some of the first programs to go, along with technical devices that have made for more flexible learning.
These cuts would also put key services at risk, including after-school and summer programs, teachers, mental health services, emergency preparedness and special education support. And they would disproportionately impact lower-income schools where services are desperately needed.
If we are serious about ensuring quality education for all students, not just the wealthiest, we must reject efforts to defund our public schools. Support Washington Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, in their opposition to federal cuts and to invest in strengthening our public schools.
Kelly Winter, Seattle
