School year starts with bigger classes, reduced resources
August 22nd, 2010School is back in session in most local districts, and students and staff are noticing big changes.
Last year, public school districts started the year with fewer teachers, bigger classes and reduced resources.
This year, it’s worse.
Classes of 30-plus students are now commonplace in Sacramento-area schools, as districts have laid off teachers to balance deflated budgets.
Many students are starting the year with little or no access to a library or school bus. There are fewer nurses, counselors and administrators. And sports, music, art, shop and other programs have become luxuries some districts simply can’t afford. Most students will attend school for fewer days and could be on an entirely different calendar.
Here is a sampling of this year’s school changes:
School libraries cut back
Principal Michelle Jenkins spends her mornings in the Elitha Donner Elementary library in Elk Grove shelving books. In the afternoon, she checks them out for students.
Tags: Bigger Classes, Reduced
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