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Letters from our Readers
I was surprised and concerned when I learned Nebraska’s 21st Century grants were under review and may be canceled.
From my work as a superintendent, I know that these grants have allowed districts and communities to offer quality before and after school learning experiences for students and have provided support for working families.
The timing of this announcement will assuredly force districts to make very difficult decisions concerning their programs as many budgets are close to being finalized. I fear that the consequences of this action will be severe and felt throughout many school district communities in our state that have worked hard to support students in their academic and social growth.
As a state we should be proud of the results we produce in education. Of course, this is due to the hard work and dedication of our educators. Their work has been aided by programs that seek to maximize time for students to learn before and after school in safe and nurturing environments. I saw firsthand the impact these programs had on student attendance, behavior and academic achievement.
If programs are forced to close, parents will struggle. With many of them currently in the work force, the elimination of these programs might cause difficult family decisions as child care will become an even greater burden. This could certainly have a negative impact on our local economies as well.
It is my hope that our political leadership will reach out to the federal administration and urge them to release these already approved funds as soon as possible. As a state that is recognized for excellence in so many ways, we should remind our leaders that weakening opportunities for student and family growth should not be on the table. These programs are important, even vital, for our communities to continue to build stronger students that will ultimately become contributing adults in our state.
— Steve Joel, Retired Superintendent Lincoln
