How is the current economic climate affecting you personally as well as the quality fo education in your school and district?

Our district laid off approximately 40 staff members at the end of 2007-08 school year stating release was due to economic reasons. The district closed a K-3 building which has increased class sizes in these grades. Personally I've been affected by higher gas prices which have caused me to reduce travel. 
Michelle Eberlin, Quincy Federation of Teachers, IL

Teachers are no longer staying long term. My children are no longer assured that they will have an experienced teacher to fill their classrooms full time. The economy is causing them to leave education and seek out employment where the pay is compensatory with their experience/work.
John Coats, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, PA

Like any blue-collar, middle class working American—this economy is greatly affecting me and my school district. For the first time in years, after 21 years of teaching, I'm back to accepting side jobs, tutoring, and additional events.
Kitt Kelleher, Broward Teachers' Union, FL

I have not received a penny from my school budget for chemistry supplies or materials in three years. Our science department has been cut from five teachers to four, and we can no longer offer physics. I have my absolute contractual limit of 150 students this year. My smallest class is 26, and my largest class has been 39 with 14 special ed students with a single Instrucional Assistant. l am definitely feeling the current economic climate!
Alberta Hemsley, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, OH

This is the first year in the ten years I've taught that I can't afford to buy for the students in my classroom. I am a professional, with a Masters degree, and can't afford my electric bill and mortgage payment. I am 51 yrs. old and worry every month if I will lose my home. I am so worried, and lost for answers. I am going to try to work 2 or 3 jobs just to make ends meet. I have never been this bad off, and I am having health problem; to make matters worse, we will not be getting a raise this year, and must pay for insurance. This is a nightmare. I want to leave education due to all this stress.
Denise D'Amario, Osceola Classroom Teachers Association, FL

I have not noticed any change. Every year for the last 8 years I have had students that struggled with financial aid and about the same percentage continue to do so now. Personally, I am as financially secure as I have ever been.
Curtis Kretschmer, Kaskaskia College Education Association, IL

The current economy is creating an unsettling undercurrent of worry that effects all decisions in our school. It remains to be seen which sports, music or arts programs will get cut. Also, the everday running of the school is made more difficult when teachers and staff have to jump through hoops and scramble for things like masking tape and paper.
Mark Vona, Eden Teachers Association, NY