Local Pre-K Programs Brace for State Cuts

Teachers and parents made their voice heard at the State Capitol, telling Governor Deal they opposed a half day for Georgia‘s pre-k students.  Deal listened to their pleas, but heavy funding cuts may leave those involved searching for answers and that includes many programs right here in middle Georgia.

“We spend 43,000 a year on a prisoner; we spend 4,300 a year on a pre-k child. Where’s the justice in that,” asked Blanche Lamb, the director of the EarlyLearningCenter in BaldwinCounty.

Lamb cringes at the thought that education for Georgia‘s youngest minds could be dwindling. Her concerns stem from Gov. Deal’s proposed cuts to the pre-k program. Lamb says the cuts will hurt the overall education of students because experienced teachers, who could see their salaries reduced, will move to other jobs.

“A first year teacher verses someone who has been teaching for a number of years. So we’re understanding that is not going to be recognized any longer which is very disappointing and over time will be the deterioration of the quality of education in my opinion,” said Lamb.