Oppose Reduction of Spending on MD Public Schools
Oppose Reduction of Spending on MD Public Schools
The Issue
We the undersigned humbly request that Governer Wes Moors reconsider his recent proposal for a reduction of the annual spending growth through the Maryland Public Schools Act, which will limit annual spending growth to between 2% and 3% over the next eight years, instead of the previous 4% to 5%. (According to Washington Top News).
A report from the Maryland Center on Economic Policy states that reading and mathematics scores have been on a general decline since 2013, and have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some slight improvements have been seen since the return of in-person attendance, though we are far from having a sound educational system.
To give some perspective, a report from the NAEP in 2022 found that 70% of fourth graders in Maryland were reported as being below proficient in reading, in which 44% scored below basic. And for Mathematics, 69% scored below proficient. It should go without saying that this is extremely concerning.
Furthermore, it has been documented that marginalized communities are much more likely to be disproportionately affected. The Maryland Alliance for Racial Equality in Education states that "Nearly half of Maryland's Black or Latino students attend schools in one of three of the most underfunded districts in the state". It is our belief that marginalized individuals and communities deserve the chance to excel, no matter what walk of life they come from.
Some argue that it is their own fault for their misfortune, though we would like to direct attention to our the current cost of living and an unfortunate history of segregation as explanations for this disparity.
In a time where misinformation and the removal of diversity inclusive initiatives have run rampant in the name of free speech, we now more than ever need to ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools they need to become informed consumers, workers, and citizens.
"Education costs money, but then so does ignorance."
– Claus Moser
We thank you for your consideration and hard work to make Maryland a state to be proud of. We hope you continue to do so.
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The Issue
We the undersigned humbly request that Governer Wes Moors reconsider his recent proposal for a reduction of the annual spending growth through the Maryland Public Schools Act, which will limit annual spending growth to between 2% and 3% over the next eight years, instead of the previous 4% to 5%. (According to Washington Top News).
A report from the Maryland Center on Economic Policy states that reading and mathematics scores have been on a general decline since 2013, and have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some slight improvements have been seen since the return of in-person attendance, though we are far from having a sound educational system.
To give some perspective, a report from the NAEP in 2022 found that 70% of fourth graders in Maryland were reported as being below proficient in reading, in which 44% scored below basic. And for Mathematics, 69% scored below proficient. It should go without saying that this is extremely concerning.
Furthermore, it has been documented that marginalized communities are much more likely to be disproportionately affected. The Maryland Alliance for Racial Equality in Education states that "Nearly half of Maryland's Black or Latino students attend schools in one of three of the most underfunded districts in the state". It is our belief that marginalized individuals and communities deserve the chance to excel, no matter what walk of life they come from.
Some argue that it is their own fault for their misfortune, though we would like to direct attention to our the current cost of living and an unfortunate history of segregation as explanations for this disparity.
In a time where misinformation and the removal of diversity inclusive initiatives have run rampant in the name of free speech, we now more than ever need to ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools they need to become informed consumers, workers, and citizens.
"Education costs money, but then so does ignorance."
– Claus Moser
We thank you for your consideration and hard work to make Maryland a state to be proud of. We hope you continue to do so.
34
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Petition created on January 24, 2025