Planned course cuts, bigger classes at schools for military kids frustrate families, teachers

Cuts and consolidations of smaller classes at base schools worldwide have students, parents and teachers angry as electives, languages and some core classes are being cut to save costs.

The Department of Defense Education Activity announced its plan Jan. 4 to tweak staffing standards, consolidate classes with low attendance and shed more than 300 “excess” positions. The move was intended to free up funds for school needs such as infrastructure from a budget top-heavy with payroll expenses. The cuts will take effect before the next school year.

The plan calls for bridging the gap with DODEA’s Virtual High School online classes. However, students and parents who spoke with Stars and Stripes said the online classes are a poor replacement for in-person instruction.

It is the first shakeup of staffing standards in about 10 years, DODEA officials have said.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/1.587291