Caledonia Argus

ECFE prepared for cuts

Posted: 3/25/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

Though budget cuts at both the state and local levels threaten to impede the operation of ISD 299ís Early Childhood Family Education program, ECFE Coordinator Mary Lou Busta is confident that the program will pull through the budget crisis and that the cuts will be only a minor hindrance.

ìWeíll figure out some ways we can make this work,î Busta said. ìThe Early Childhood programs are where everybody kind of comes together. Itís like a melting pot, offering very supportive programs for parents and kids. Thatís why weíre going to do everything to keep these programs going, because theyíre really going to pay off in the long run.î

Governor Pawlentyís budget proposal targets Early Childhoodñ by reducing state aid and putting a freeze on the property tax levy so local districts canít recapture the lost fundingñ and the program in District 299 stands to lose 60% of its state aid and 30% of its local levy.

The effectiveness of ECFE in bolstering child development will make the proposed cuts, if implemented, detrimental to education statewide, Busta said. ìECFE is a proactive program,î she noted, ìand as far as the future of the child, there will be less need for remedial help. When they get to school, thereís going to be less need for special services.î

Bustaís attitude toward ECFE is backed by statistical assessments of the programñ studies have indicated that early education is ìone of the best economic development tools around,î in that for every dollar spent on four-year olds, society gets a return of 12-16%, since the children ìwill require less remedial intervention, are less likely to be poor and more often successful, contributing adults.î

Busta thinks the impact of cuts can be alleviated by fundraising, seeking donations, and by a gradual increase in program fees. At present, the fees are minimalñ $2.50 per course per childñ and the increase, she said, would be ìnothing extravagant that would drive people away.î Besides, she added, ìone of our ultimate goals is to serve all families, regardless of income, and we never turn away families for the inability to pay.î

Reductions in funding can also be mitigated, she said, if families apply for free and reduced lunches for their kids. ìTheyíre basing this new formula on free and reduced lunches,î Busta commented, ìand itís very important for families to apply for this, because it will help us get additional dollars in our budget.î

Despite the proposed cuts in funding, Busta anticipates few changes in the program. Since the cuts wonít take effect until the 2004-2005 school year, program coordinators have adequate time to prepare. ìWe see cuts coming down the line,î she said, ìbut we have a little time to get ready for this, which is good, and we will maintain.î

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