JUDGING THE SYSTEM: IT’S ONLY SEPTEMBER BUT SCHOOL’S OUT – OF FUNDING, BOOKS AND COMMON SENSE

As Harrisburg’s budget stalemate drags into its third month, Berks County school districts are staring down a fiscal cliff.   Districts are already dipping into savings just to keep the lights on.  Some are looking at loans with interest fees that could’ve paid for support staff, updated books and technology, maintenance and facilities repairs, or basic supplies.
 
The nearby Lancaster School District just borrowed $35 million and racked up $200,000 in interest just to stay afloat. 

And while Lancaster has a little more wiggle room than most, smaller Berks districts don’t have deep pockets.  So, when the state stalls, districts will bleed with staff cuts, fewer electives, and less support for the kids who need it the most.  That’s what’s coming if this budget mess drags on much longer.