Parents, Are you Worried About School Aide Cuts? Greendale Moms Share Their Perspective

Editor's Note: Moms Talk Q&A is a feature on Greendale Patch that is part of an initiative to reach out to moms and families.

Each week, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. 

Moms Talk will also be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic. Do you know of local moms raising their children in the Tiger Mother's way and is it the best way? Where can we get information on local flu shot clinics for children? How can we help our children's schools weather their budget cutbacks?

We invite you to be part of this ongoing conversation by commenting below.

Gov. Scott Walker released his proposed budget to reduce state aid to public schools and local governments by $1.25 billion. The cuts would be offset by $1.5 billion in savings from his budget repair bill, Walker said. Are you worried about Gov. Scott Walker's cuts to school aid? Do you have any concerns on how education will change for your children? 

Now lets refer to some members of the Greendale Patch mom council:

Cheryl Sanders says:

"Yes, I am very worried about the proposed cuts in state aid to schools. I have seen over the years how schools have already had to cut programming and increase costs to parents to make up the difference. Every year, it seems like we are paying more for school supplies and things like educational field trips and activities. I know most of my kids' teachers pay money out of their own pockets for basic classroom supplies. While our family has been fortunate so far that we can afford these extra expenses, I worry about those families who can't afford them. I am especially concerned because the governor is proposing not allowing school districts to go to referendum to raise additional money. If the voters in a school district vote to pass a referendum, that's because the majority is willing to pay the higher taxes to support whatever items the school board is requesting funding for. Walker's plan would not even give voters that option, even if they support it.   I also worry that we will lose quality teachers. Teachers already do not make a lot of money. Now we are going to ask them to do a quality job with even less pay and benefits? Why would ANYONE go into teaching any more? I have a feeling that many of the existing good teachers will move into another line of work. People are always complaining about how kids in the U.S. are falling behind other nations in terms of education, especially in areas of math, science and technology. How can things not get worse considering the proposed budget and cuts in aid to schools? Yes, I am very concerned - not just for my own kids - but for all of today's students. They are our future, we need to make sure they are as well-educated as possible."

Mary Kay Swittel says:

Honestly I am not worried at all. I am more worried about the current situation in Wisconsin and our deficit. In the long run I think the changes Governor Walker is making will only HELP our children and the way they grow and learn in this state. I do not think it will affect children's education if teachers are educated and committed to doing the job they have aspired to do.