This year, the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts has lost $1 million due to budget cuts. Teachers are feeling the effects of these setbacks, compelling them to use their own money to provide essential supplies for students to succeed in class.
English teacher Mrs. Curcio expresses her dissatisfaction with the situation, sharing that whenever she buys paper, she feels like she has to supply the department as well. “I’ve had to buy paper. I feel like I have to supply the whole department with paper. They’re running out of Kleenex.”
Mrs. Curcio also expresses discomfort with creating a wishlist, as she feels it is a form of begging. “I’m a teacher, not a salesperson, and I feel uncomfortable having to ask for donations. And I know a lot of teachers feel the same way. We feel like we’re begging, and this should just be provided,” she said.
While computers help students get their education, Mrs. Curcio says that the English department is aiming to reduce screen time due to the excessive amount of time students and adults spend on their personal devices.
Additionally, within the math department, Ms. O’Gara said, “The budget cut has made it difficult to obtain necessary supplies. The budget cut is painful, and we can’t make the copies that we need.”
She also emphasizes that the high cost of materials is a financial burden for her.
Because of the budget cut, Ms. O’Gara makes a wish list for the first time in her years of teaching. Hopefully, she believes that parents would be interested in helping and getting involved with providing supplies. “Luckily, I was able to email parents, and they really stepped up,” she said.
With parents helping supply LVA’s classrooms, it really shows that they care for their students’ education.
