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Last night, the Lowell School Committee supported my motion requesting “the Superintendent prepare two budget proposals: one for a level-funded budget and one with a ten-percent reduction in state funding.” Although there was discussion regarding the timing and details of the proposals, especially since cuts this deep will require layoffs and there was concern regarding employee morale, the majority consensus was that we need a plan—the sooner the better—to deal with the current fiscal crisis. According to State Senator Steve Panagiotakos’ presentation, reported here last week, a level-funded budget is the best-case scenario—requiring $4 million less for Lowell schools with as much as $10 million in reductions a possibility. I’ve watched the district cut programs and staff since 2002, before I even got on the committee, and I don’t see how we’re going to make cuts this deep without seriously impacting the quality of education our children receive. It is going to require new approaches, thinking outside the box, and a reassessment of priorities, both in terms of the district and its funding sources. Each year, health insurance, utilities and compensation costs have risen—outpacing revenues—but the challenges we face and the children’s need for a high-quality education have not diminished. As the state faces its own fiscal crisis, there is some hope that Lowell will top the list for additional funds through the governor’s Readiness Project. Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville visited Lowell schools on Monday, and told us he was impressed, particularly by the district’s partnerships with UML and MCC, and the investment of community stakeholders. Supt. Scott, Chancellor Meehan, and MCC President Cowan pitched their “Pre-K to 16 Pathways” plan to him as our version of the governor’s project, with hope that when funding is available, the state will look to Lowell as one of its first pilot sites.

There is also hope that the federal government will offer some relief. As the creators of No Child Left Behind, national legislation that left the funding behind, the federal government has a responsibility to fund its mandates, as well as a moral and practical imperative to ensure educational excellence nationally. It appears the new administration gets the intimate connection between an educated populace and economic stability. According to an article in yesterday’s New York Times, President-Elect Obama has pledged $10 billion for early-childhood education, representing ”the largest new federal initiative for young children since Head Start began in 1965.” His platform also supports “new federal financing for states.” Many of his supporters are expecting him to deliver on his campaign promise to make education a priority even after federal bailouts for Wall Street bonuses and automakers’ incompetency: After all, economic revival is not possible without skilled employees.