By Donna Lamb

Braving a soaking rain, on March 19, about ten thousand very spirited students, parents, educators, elected officials and other supporters of public education descended upon City Hall to mark the fifth anniversary of the war on Iraq which has sucked billions of dollars out of the United States economy – money that could have been spent instead on such things as educating this nation’s children.

Now, New York City public schools are facing $800 million in current and proposed city and state education budget cuts that have already begun to squeeze schoolchildren into smaller classes and deprive them of their after-school programs, weekend classes, and tutoring services. The cuts have also forced schools to reduce textbook orders and instructional supplies as well as drop or cut back on teacher training and professional development programs. Next year's cuts will be six times worse.

"If these proposed state and city budget reductions are not rescinded, our schools are headed for a crisis," said Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers. "A cut of that magnitude would reach into every classroom and affect every child with a devastating impact that has not been felt in our schools for decades."

"Parents are outraged about these cuts," stated Carol Boyd, head of the Coalition for Education Justice and a mother of students attending a city middle school and a high school. "Our schools, especially our middle schools, are in crisis. This is not a time to be taking away funds that were promised, that principals are counting on, and, most important, that our children desperately need."

"Every dollar cut from the city and state education budgets translates into more kids being left behind," noted Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of The New York Immigration Coalition. "If the Mayor and the new Governor are serious about reversing the dropout crisis facing immigrant students, they will work to restore education aid."

At the rally, which was organized by the broad-based Keep The Promises Coalition, participants expressed their support for the budget bill passed by the New York State Assembly last week because it keeps the promises to restore nearly $200 million in foundation aid and fully fund building aid. It also requires the City to reverse proposed 2008-09 cuts to the Department of Education. These restorations will be financed by adding a one percent tax surcharge on people with annual incomes over $1 million.

"Both the Mayor and the former Governor promised us steady and reliable foundation funding to support a 'Contract for Excellence' – and then cut the education budget," stated City Council Member Robert Jackson, chair of the council’s Education Committee. "We feel betrayed because all these pledges have been broken. We want sound, basic education for our children and leadership that will Keep The Promises."

Jackson also pointed out that if even a fraction of the cost of the war on Iraq went toward education here in New York City, things would be in good shape. "But you and I know that is not the case," he continued. "So we are going to fight here in the City Council to restore these cuts, and, if necessary, we will take the fight to Albany to make them restore the money, too."

"The Department of Education's spending priorities are out of whack," declared City Council Member Bill de Blasio, who has introduced a council resolution calling upon Bloomberg to restore proposed school cuts and immediately reverse the $180 million already cut. "This is the Department of Education, not Halliburton," he added. "The DOE needs to examine its spending priorities, including the exorbitant costs related to no-bid contracts, overly paid consultants, and excessive testing of students."

Jackson and de Blasio were joined by about 20 other councilmembers who also took the podium to deliver very brief but passionate statements. For instance, Eric Gioia told the crowd, "I am so proud of all of you. It's cold, it's raining, but you are fighting for your rights. You are doing what is right, and I will keep the promise." Melissa Mark Viverito declared, "Five years of war – too long; $720 million a day – too much. Let’s re-prioritize our budget so education is first." John Liu announced, "We're going to tell them, ‘It's the schools, stupid! We’re going to beat back the budget attack." Addressing the many students present, Inez Dickens said, "You are our future! No more cuts – we must have our budget restored in full." James Sanders concluded, "President Bush, end the war and fund our schools. Mayor Bloomberg, lets keep our promises."

In all, 43 members of the City Council have signed on to legislation to restore the education cuts.