Opinion of the Researchers (our group)

"If all the kids who dropped out didn't, we wouldn't be able to educate them anyway." -Children in America's Schools

As future educators of America, we are saddened by this situation. The students are put in an unfair position and given less opportunity due to their circumstances. There is only so much us as educators can do to clean up the mess. With all money aside, we feel if we come to school everyday and try to be positive the students will feed off of our attitudes. It is very possible we are their only role models, therefore it is our responsibility to give them the love and support they desire. In order to be the best educators, money is essential for successful learning. With the proper budget and funding for urban schools, we will be able to better close the gap of inequality between urban and suburban schools.

Quotes from "Children in America's Schools"

Here are some quotations expressing the frustrations of urban school teachers and students.


"I have a textbook that says we will send a man to the moon. We've already sent a man to the moon."

"A rundown building makes it seem like authority doesn't care about their students or education."

"Demoralizing for teachers to work in these buildings which CEO's wouldn't for one hour."

"Wouldn't go to a store with leaky roofs/puddles or cockroaches."

"Students miss out on phys ed and art due to the lack of facilities."

"Classes are overpopulated (more than 25 kids)"

Urban - Batlimore City - Hampstead Hill Academy (#47)

Interviewed: Ms. Tesno, 2nd grade teacher

1.) What is the average income for teachers in Baltimore City?

For a teacher just out of college with a teaching certificate, starting is approx. $45,000.00/10-months

I would say the average is $50-60,000./10-months.

2.) How much of your own money goes towards classroom necessities?

Oh my gosh....I've totally lost track. I would say probably about $1,000 (at minimum) per school year. They only allow you to deduct $250 on your taxes though, which stinks.

3.) Do you feel Baltimore City Schools are granted a suffient amount of money in order to be successful?

Absolutely not, and I'm even in a school that has more money than most because we are a charter school.

4.) If someone were to hand you a blank check to Baltimore City School's, how much would you make it out for and what would you put it towards?

Wow.....um....probably $5 million and put it towards good books (library and text books), computers, and teacher training (good training...not the filler stuff they offer us now).

Suburban - Harford County - Bel Air High School

Interviewed teacher: Mr. Skelton, and Principal: Mr. Voskul

1) How is the school budget determined?

Mr. V: Set by the school board based on a per student allocation for each of the areas textbooks materials of instruction student activities copier costs paper and so on

Mr. S: I would add that the needs of each individual school is taken into account. For example, a school that is deemed “less than proficient” in some area – I’ll use math as my example – may receive extra funds to support their efforts to instruct their students appropriately. My wife worked at a school that received extra budget money to support the school’s effort to provide basic necessities to students in an effort to create a culture where learning (not survival) is a priority: breakfast program, after-school tutoring, etc.

2) What percent is public tax, federal, and state?

Mr. V: Needs to look at the county and system budget I do not have that info

3) What is the average income for teachers in Harford County?

Mr. V: I do not have this info I believe it is around 50,000 she can get online and find the pay scale

Mr. S: Here is the site that contains teacher pay scales in Harford County. Note that as a Teacher in my 13^th year, with an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) I am paid $60,459. Once I finish my Master’s Degree (two classes left!) my pay will be bumped up to $62,275. Also consider that teachers are paid stipends for extra-curricular involvement (coaching, for example, pays me an additional $3,000 per season before taxes).

4) How much of your own money goes towards classroom necessities?

Mr. S: I spend quite a bit over the course of a school year. Never too much at one time, but it certainly adds up. Posters, supplies such as tape, pens and pencils for my personal use, chalk, tissues, candy for prizes. Most of the expenses are tax deductible, but I’ve never written anything off on my taxes…it’s just too tedious. I consider these expenses a part of the job.

5) How much funding is each department given: Art, Music, Athletics, Special Education, Gifted and Talented, Etc.?

Mr. V: The principal determines this based on what I judge are the needs of each department. Athletics is funded separately based on enrollment and gate receipts.

6) Do you feel Bel Air High School is granted a suffient amount of money in order to be successful?

Mr. V: Yes

7) If someone were to hand you a blank check to Bel Air High School, how much would you make it out for and what would you put it towards?

Mr. S: I’m not sure what the dollar amount would be, but I would love to provide our school’s community with more clubs that involve students who aren’t drawn to athletics. It seems to me our school has a “place” for athletes and those that are academically inclined, but what about a cooking class? Chess club? Board games or video games? In other words, I’d love to see our school make a place for students who could use a positive place to come and socialize with others in a non-classroom setting. After school, I mean. This would also allow teachers to get to know students on a more personal level, which would enhance the learning environment, as well. Just my thoughts. I’m sure if you asked a student at this high school the same question they’d say that they want athletic fields!