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This is part one of a series on how local schools are doing.This story is part of a nationwide Patch series probing the economy's effect on local schools. School districts across the country have been feeling the crunch of the down economy and have had to adjust their budgets accordingly. Many schools have been forced to cut vital programs, while others are getting by with extra federal funding. The issue has become a heated political war in recent months. Democrats in Congress recently passed legislation providing billions of dollars in funding to schools nationwide, but Republicans almost unanimously opposed it. Now the two candidates for …
This story is part of a nationwide Patch series probing the economy's effect on local schools. While other school districts have been grappling with budget cuts and teacher and staff layoffs, Marblehead, for the most part, has remained unscathed. Superintendent Paul Dulac said it's creative thinking and often times, old-fashioned fundamentals that have protected the district. "I think it's two parts," Dulac said. "The town is conservative in its use of money, state money and taxation policies. We have also responded to the needs and operated efficiently. We haven't just overspent and hoped …
Years of recession have profoundly affected public schools throughout the country while Marblehead has remained relatively in the clear. This fall, many schools are dealing with layoffs and program reductions made in the spring. And while other schools escaped budget cuts and severe austerity measures, their leaders still must make financial decisions amid tight economic times. How are these choices affecting our children, their education and their teachers? Throughout the school year, in a series of in-depth local and regional reports, you'll hear straight from children and teachers how …
