Politics & Government
Will Sequestration Affect Bensalem Schools?
Though Bensalem Township School District superintendent is following the situation, he has no comment as to how sequestration will affect Bensalem schools.
Though it is said that the possible sequestration will cause loss in funding for Pennsylvania education, Superintendent Dr. David Baugh did not say how Bensalem Township School District will be affected.
"He is closely watching the situation, but has no comment at this time," said Susan Phy, the district's school and community relations liaison.
If sequestration—a series of automatic cuts—were to take effect, "Pennsylvania will lose approximately $26.4 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 360 teacher and aide jobs at risk," a press release from the White House said.
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This is just one example of the impact that will take place this year alone in the state.
Congress has until Feb. 28 at midnight to act or else the sequester will take effect, according to the press release. These cuts may "threaten hundreds of thousands of middle class jobs, and cut vital services for children, seniors, people with mental illness and our men and women in uniform," the release states.
Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If the sequester is enacted, the cuts will have the following effects on Pennsylvania schools this year:
- Teachers and Schools:Pennsylvania will lose approximately $26.4 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 360 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 29,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 90 fewer schools would receive funding.
- Education for Children with Disabilities: In addition, Pennsylvania will lose approximately $21.4 million in funds for about 260 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.
- Work-Study Jobs: Around 3,160 fewer low income students in Pennsylvania would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college and around 2,290 fewer students will get work-study jobs that help them pay for college.
- Head Start: Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for approximately 2,300 children in Pennsylvania, reducing access to critical early education.
To learn more about the additional effects the sequester will have on Pennsylvania and the nation, read the sequester fact sheet from the White House.
Are you worried about the effects sequestration will have on Bensalem's schools? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
