By SUMYA MOHIUDDIN
The reasons as to why Malden is experiencing a $2.5 million budget cut are concerning; many students and teachers have been left questioning the state of Malden High School’s various programs in the upcoming school year. The chances that the art department could disappear, or that thirty of our favorite teachers will have to say goodbye, frightens the community altogether. Thirty teachers and one hundred and twenty central office positions are set to be uprooted statewide. However, with a chance of great change means a chance of great adaptation.
It is no secret that Malden has a diverse community. Maldonians are attributed with a certain kind of compassion that may not be evident in other cities; the sense of community that is within our reach at all times ensures that Malden will come together no matter how deeply the potential budget cuts could affect the future state of our city.
Budget cuts are complex: the process and thinking involved requires many demanding steps to be taken by local leaders. How can we be sure if applying these potential budget cuts will provide any benefits? People then affected by these budget cuts cannot make any positive statements.
Many argue that the budget cuts will definitely lead to a less diverse community. Students who are art-oriented might lose the opportunity to take free classes in high school; play production may lose its ability to put on great shows every year; this year could even be the last year that The Blue and Gold will be a proper class. MHS will change for the worst. Classes will grow in size, and students, as well as teachers, will have to accomodate. The further separation between student and teacher will be inevitable once the budget cuts slice through the city of Malden. Classes today are somewhat evenly distributed, but an increased class size will result in confusion and distractions.
Superintendent David DeRuosi argues, through an article by boston.com, that Malden is ahead of other cities because students are a part of a PARCC exam stimulation. However, the complications with the exam raises more questions. Where will Malden receive the computers necessary if we are already experiencing budget cuts?
These changes do not only affect Malden, but Massachusetts as a whole. Conversations about cutting MBTA services began late February, according to boston.com. Sixth graders will have a definite seat on the bus, but seventh and eighth graders will have to qualify for a MBTA pass, which will result in $11 million savings. Parents are concerned undoubtedly about the safety that future transportation holds.
The possibility of avoiding the budget cuts is nonexistent, so it is better to not loom on the possible negative effects. Budget cuts will, unfortunately, help the government control their spending as to not make heavy budget cuts in the future.
The only thing constant in life is change, and hopefully the impending yet necessary budget cuts will still allow Malden and MHS to continue to grow and be a strong community.
