The NAACP advocates for policies that ensure equitable distribution of resources across school districts, with a particular focus on addressing funding disparities that disproportionately affect Black and other minority students. Wicomico County NAACP has always been a strong advocate for education and for adequate funding of Wicomico County Public Schools. However, now it is under an even greater threat.
The countless federal funding cuts will have a direct affect on state funding. What does that mean for Wicomico County Public Schools? The state covers just over 80% of our school budget but it is also experiencing a 3 billion dollar budget deficit. We have to anticipate a decrease. It is imperative that our county increases funding to cover any potential budget deficits and to bring us to the 21st century. We are already behind and it is deplorable. There is NO REASON why we cannot allocate funding to help our schools and students thrive. We recommend raising the revenue cap and exploring other options such as cannabis funds and property transfer taxes.
We are already understaffed to properly serve our special education, STEM, and ELL populations. What’s at stake? Inequitable funding means we are building barriers that deprive students of success in the future. Also in underfunding schools, students often must deal with large class size; fewer advanced classes; lack of resources; less experienced teachers; and in some cases no teacher at all. There is a direct correlation between student achievement and school funding. Studies show that when schools are indeed funded properly, student achievement improves. More funding ensures access to qualified teachers; stable learning environments; and other support services. To put it plainly, a well-educated student body will lead to a well-educated workforce that will lead economic growth; competitiveness; attract businesses; and create job opportunities.
While we are not advocating for defunding all other departments, we take issue with how other departments and law enforcement have been prioritized over our children. We are calling for the county council to get us off the bottom of the heap and increase funds and provide our children a well funded system. They are worth it.
Monica Brooks
President
Wicomico County NAACP
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
