Sequestration Could Impact Upper Moreland Schools

In preparation of the possible budget cuts by Congress, sequestration could have a major impact on Upper Moreland Schools. A series of automatic cuts will take effect unless Congress acts by Thursday at midnight.

“We've predicted that it might happen, but we don't have formal knowledge,” Upper Moreland School Business Manager Michael Braun said.

Braun began to formalize the new school board contract in January and came up with an 8-percent cut in the preliminary budget.

“When we talked to business managers, that's the number we came up to,” Braun said. “I'm not sure when the smoke clears wit Obama - if money will be going in that direction. But right now I’m not counting on it.

“They'll give me an allocation of what the school will receive. I have no idea. That's one of the things I'm waiting for as we get back to the budget process,” Braun added.

Pennsylvania’s cuts on schools include the following:

• Teachers and Schools: Pennsylvania will lose approximately $26.4 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 360 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 29,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 90 fewer schools would receive funding.
• Education for Children with Disabilities: In addition, Pennsylvania will lose approximately $21.4 million in funds for about 260 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.
• Work-Study Jobs: Around 3,160 fewer low income students in Pennsylvania would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college and around 2,290 fewer students will get work-study jobs that help them pay for college.
• Head Start: Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for approximately 2,300 children in Pennsylvania, reducing access to critical early education.