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IL educators fear the worst cuts may be yet to come

By Julia Bruck

CARTERVILLE, IL (KFVS) - Educators in the State of Illinois are paying the price for the state's budget crisis. But many of them say the worst may be yet to come.

A coalition of education groups predict more than 20,000 Illinois teachers and staff could be laid off in the next school year. So what does that mean for the future of education in the Land of Lincoln?

Jim Tammen with the Illinois Education Association said the future does not look bright.

"It's finally hitting the school districts who have already tightened their belts and there's nothing more to tighten other than get rid of their staff," Tammen said.

Tammen says it is what some in the education community call a perfect storm. He says a poor economy, the loss of federal stimulus dollars, shifting of state funds and lack of support for a tax increase all help to create the storm, which finally hit the schools.

However, Tammen said job cuts are half of the losses. He added it's not known the number of educators that will retire and not be replaced next school year.

"The combined affect on students will be pretty gray. You are going to see programs lost or opportunities lost for students and you're going to see larger class sizes," he said.

R.W. McAlister is the FFA advisor and Agriculture teacher at Century High School. McAlister said recently he was laid off, along with four other teachers. However, he said when he leaves Century High, so does the Agriculture Program.

"I've had kids come to me before and tell me during school and after they have graduated, that the ag (agriculture) program and the things they can do in FFA, that's what kept them coming back to school day after day and they won't have that next year," he said.

However, the students are not the only victims. McAlister, like many other educators, now face looking for a new job. Something not easily done, as school districts continue to announce layoffs across the state.

"I really hope the governor and our legislators get busy on this and don't hold education hostage," McAlister added.

Late Friday Heartland News spoke with Illinois State Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro). He said it looks like the Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan, will pass a half budget due to the November elections.