Documents Concerning Budget Cuts |
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A Message to IMEA Members
April 2010
IMEA’S POSITION
The Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) believes that the present funding crisis in Indiana education threatens to deal a devastating blow, not only to schools and teachers, but to the quality of life in communities across the state. The statewide cut in property taxes and the shifting of funding sources for education have resulted in a substantial loss of revenue to the state, which has responded with potentially destructive actions to educational programs.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
School corporations throughout Indiana are facing serious financial hardships, both as a result of the recession and because of recent changes in school funding. School corporations are attempting to address their budget crises by implementing cost-saving measures across the board.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
There appears to be no school corporation in Indiana that is not faced with this crisis at some level. It is not simply an attack on teachers, or the arts, or classroom aides, or electives, or extra-curricular programs. Rather, every budget line is being scrutinized and discussed for possible reduction. Diminished support for education in Indiana could have a long-term negative effect on the quality of life and the economy in all communities throughout our state. When families and corporations are looking for places to locate, the quality of the local schools is of premium importance. With respect to music education specifically, for over 100 years, Indiana has been known to be one of the nation’s leaders. An outstanding music program helps schools achieve excellence, supports the quality of life in the community, and helps our citizens achieve a balanced education.
WHOSE FAULT IS IT?
It does not appear to be the fault of any one person, political party, union, or government entity. This crisis is the result of a “perfect storm” between school funding and the economic recession.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
- The current economic recession
Job losses have had devastating effects within the economies of most communities, both in reduced personal and corporate income, and in reduced income and sales tax revenue generated.
- Changes in funding for schools
In recent years, the Indiana legislature responded to public opinion and changed the tax code. This change resulted in shifting the source of funding for public schools’ general fund to the state, instead of local property taxes. The issue is that property taxes are a relatively stable source of funding, while sales and income taxes are not as stable. The result of this situation in our current economy is that our state has not been able to generate enough funds for almost a year. This situation is not likely to improve in the near future unless state-level changes are made in funding for education.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT?
Mobilize your parents to work with your school corporation to help make decisions on budget reductions that will have the least effect on school programs. Understand that cuts must be made in all areas, but we must ensure that Indiana students still receive a world-class, well-balanced, K-12 education. Scaling back programs
might be necessary in the short term. Eliminating programs altogether, however, should be avoided; it can take years and years to restore programs that are completely cut.
In order to maintain quality education programs for students, local tax referendums are being considered by school districts across the state. If referendums are to be successful, it will be critical to educate voters about the positive impact of high quality schools to the entire community, and to generate support from a broad base of voters.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN OUR STATE?
Encourage our legislators to fund schools through a more stable form of revenue, which may suggest a return to schools being funded through property taxes.
WHAT IS IMEA DOING TO HELP?
The Indiana Music Educators Association is doing its best to understand the situation, while also reminding decision-makers that it is a fundamental right of all learners to be provided with a world-class, well-balanced, K-12 education. Such an education contains the study of the arts at its core. IMEA is working alone, in cooperation with the Alliance for Indiana Music Education, and in cooperation with other professional education associations (visual art, physical education, foreign languages, media specialists, and others) to educate all stakeholders to ensure that budget reductions are made fairly and evenly. |
