school budget news stories on Newser

Kansas City Closing Half Its Schools

Rob Quinn — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:44:02 CST

Kansas City's school board narrowly voted to close 29 of the city's 61 public schools after an emotional, standing-room-only meeting last night. The measure, a desperate attempt to prevent a projected $50 million budget shortfall, passed 5-4 despite pleas from parents and community leaders to keep the schools open, the...

In US, Gym-Class Injuries Up 150% in Past Decade

Nick McMaster — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:52:59 CDT

American kids are suffering 150% more injuries in gym class than a decade ago, the AP reports. Over that period, a study found, there has been a renewed emphasis on physical-education class as a way to inculcate students with healthy habits and prevent obesity. But the increase in injuries may...

Teacher Puts Ads on Tests to Pay for Copies

Kevin Spak — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:17:01 CST

When his suburban San Diego high school cut his photocopy budget to $316, calculus teacher Tom Farber had a problem. Because he gives a lot of tests—to make sure his students have enough practice for their AP exam, he says—he racks up $500 a year in 3-cents-per-page copy...

Strapped Schools Say Bye to Bus Rides

Katherine Thompson — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:55:14 CDT

As high gas prices strangle US school budgets, more officials are cutting back where it hurts student scores least: school buses. Some schools are limiting or redesigning bus routes, but others have nixed busing entirely, leaving thousands of kids to hoof it under adult supervision. Some parents object, but many...

Back-to-School Lists Bust Budgets

Rob Quinn — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:34:39 CDT

Ever-expanding back-to-school lists are squeezing family budgets, the New York Times reports. The bill often tops three figures as school ask for pricey items like flash drives—often specifying the brand name. And many cash-strapped districts are turning to parents to provide supplies like paper towels, baby wipes and Band-Aids,...

As Gas Prices Rise, Field Trips Go Virtual

Wesley Oliver — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:08:03 CDT

More school buses are being left in park these days, thanks to rising fuel prices and technology that lets students go on “virtual field trips.” “If you can’t go somewhere, this can be the next best thing,” said one administrator, as schools enjoy low teleconferencing costs and help from institutions...

Calif. Crunch May Force Drastic Cuts

Wesley Oliver — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:22:15 CST

California's dire financial straits may force the early release of 30,000 low-risk inmates and bring drastic cuts in education, the Los Angeles Times reports. Arnold Schwarzenegger will declare a fiscal emergency next month as the state wrestles with a $14.5 billion budget gap. The governor has ordered agencies...