Resources
This theme has to do with the way that schools are funded in our state. Because it is mostly based on property taxes, this means that rich communities have a lot of money for their schools and poor communities do not. This is a set-up from the start.
We demand a different, more equitable way of funding schools!
Issues happening now
What this looks like in our schools:
Lack of tutors, textbooks, technology, and other supplies
Few accessible mental health counselors and the ones we have are over-worked
Not enough guidance counselors and the ones we have are over-worked
High teacher turn-over
Overcrowded classrooms!! Which makes is really hard for both students and the teacher to focus and get anything done
Not enough supports for English Language Learner (ELL) students
Cuts to arts classes, music, anything considered “extra”
Cockroaches in our school
Long-term substitutes who are not certified or able to teach the course (example: long-term substitutes in Spanish who don’t speak Spanish)
Poor food options
Magnet school vs. “regular” high school
Science and Tech has a lot more resources and opportunities than New London High School
Science and Tech has less suspensions than NLHS;
a lot of things that you get suspended for at NLHS you might just get talked to by the dean at Science and Tech
Solutions & recommendations:
FULL funding for our schools!
A new system of funding schools in CT that is equitable
More equality between magnet schools and “regular” schools as we transition to an all-magnet district. We need to keep an eye on who is getting what opportunities!