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Cost saving measures in effect at many Huntsville schools

By Trang Do - Bio | Email

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Due to proration, school budgets have been cut by 7.5% this school year. 

Teachers are bearing the brunt of the impact.

They are having to dig even deeper into their own pockets to get the supplies their students need.

But one teacher WAFF 48 News sat down with Monday said educators are very resourceful and with the help of parents, they can make sure students aren't being shortchanged.

LeeAnn Childers has been an elementary school teacher for 22 years.

But this year, the Chaffee Elementary 2nd grade teacher is facing her toughest year yet.

"This year we're feeling the pinch and we're trying to become creative in the way we use what we are given. And we'll do it. Teachers always do, we'll find a way," said Childers. 

One way Chaffee is actually saving money is by investing into technology.

By using projectors, teachers don't have to photocopy as much.

"We're limited to, for example, 300 copies a week because we've got to be able to conserve paper, ink and toner," Childers said. 

Chaffee Principal Dr. Cecilia Bruton said teachers have been doing an amazing job doing more with less, but she worries about what may happen next year. 

Especially whether the school will be able to afford workbooks the younger children need.

"Some of those will allow you to make classroom copies, so we just make sure that we check the front of the book before we copy anything, because we don't want to break any copyright laws," Dr. Bruton said.

Chaffee parents have already come through to donate much needed supplies and it's likely they'll be called upon next year to do the same.

These educators said one of the best ways to help your child's school is to directly ask your child's teacher what's needed and donate those items to the classroom.  

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