Who? Teachers and Aids in the Port Chester Public School system who could see their jobs on the line due to cuts made if the budget does not pass.
What? Because of government funding being cut back due to our failing economy, there is a chance this year’s budget won’t pass when the citizens of Port Chester vote in May. Tenured teachers, assistants and aids could be at risk of losing the positions they have poured years of their lives into. In addition, many programs that are loved by teachers and students alike could see their days numbered if a contingent budget is forced into place.
Where? Port Chester, New York (Westchester County).
When? The School Budget Vote will take place on May 15, 2012. There will be four Board of Education meetings between now and the vote: 3/8, 3/28, 4/19, 5/3.
Why? Although a budget vote is important every year and to every school district, this year hits particularly close to home for me because there are two people in my life who could be in danger of losing their jobs.
How? I will take advantage of the public Board of Education meetings to learn the most current information as it unfolds. While these meetings are broadcast on our local Public Access channel, I think it would be beneficial to attend each meeting to gain some feedback from teachers, parents and students who may be in attendance. This will give me the opportunity to get face time with board members, and those who will be directly affected by the upcoming vote.
So What? This topic wouldn’t normally be something that would make me interested enough to want to follow the coverage up until voting day. This year, my brother is a tenured Teacher’s Assistant and my good friend is in her first year as a teacher. These two young teachers, in addition to many others, could very well be at risk of losing their jobs if this budget doesn’t pass and I think that is something that could catch many people’s attention. In a college community, we are surrounded by people who will want to be teachers (among other professions) one day, and keeping in mind that any of us could lose our jobs at anytime is both scary and can be a way to keep our minds sharp.
How am I going to cover this? I will take advantage of the public board meetings that will take place between now and the day of the vote. This public forum could be used to ask specific questions that many might be thinking, but not saying. Being from Port Chester, I believe I have access to teachers, principals, parents and possibly board members. Interviews will be the source of most of my information because I wish to learn how this vote will affect employees of the school district. I could also interview people who will vote against this budget and get their thoughts on why this is their choice. Video will also be used from the board meetings to give the viewer the feeling that they are in the room as these discussions are happening.
