Los Angeles Times: School cutbacks force parents to scramble for summer replacements

[marmar]

School cutbacks force parents to scramble for summer replacements
Boys & Girls Clubs, libraries and other nonprofits anticipate a surge as budget problems force cancellation of usual programs.

By Seema Mehta
10:02 PM PDT, June 19, 2009


Since the cancellation of virtually all public summer school in Los Angeles, Yolanda Murrieta has been scrambling to find alternatives to keep her three children busy and academically engaged.

Tutoring, which would cost hundreds of dollars a month, is not an option. Instead, Murrieta is cobbling together a schedule that includes regular library visits and trips to the Boys & Girls Club.

"I am searching right now for a place to get in so they're not at home watching TV all summer," the 46-year-old Boyle Heights resident said. "I will need to take the teacher's role so they will be prepared."

She's not alone. As parents across the state struggle to come up with summer plans, educators are warning that the summer school cancellations could have dire consequences.

While visiting a children's center on skid row, state Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell said Friday that the elimination of summer school throughout California -- prompted by state budget cuts -- will jeopardize children's safety and lead to more teenagers failing to finish high school. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-summer20-2009jun20,0,6813390.story

[havocmom]

1. Perhaps taxpayers will start recognizing that paying taxes for services is good investing

Nah, they still won't get it.

[ananda]

2. Thank you Enron..

.. and Pete Wilson.