Vernon Education Officials Feeling Squestered When it Comes to the Sequester

After both a Finance Committee meeting and a meeting of the full Board of Education on Monday at Lake Street School, school system officials have come to one conclusion.

Right now, regarding the federal sequester, they are limited to the roles of helpless spectators.

"We know from the governor's office and state education officials that there could be an impact," school system Director of Business and Finance Michael Purcaro said. 

Connecticut could lose middle class jobs and "vital services for children, seniors, people with mental illness and our men and women in uniform" under the automatic federal budget cuts known as the sequester that are looming this week, the White House said Sunday in a summary of the budget reductions.

Of particular concern to local officials is the federally subsidized Head Start program, which benefits children ages 3 to 5 - notably those from lower-income families - and emphasizes academic and social skills.

Purcaro said the sequester could affect up to 500 Head Start slots statewide and up to 120 teachers and "teacher's aides" in the state, according to state education sources.

"We are looking for additional information through our affiliated educational organizations at the state level," Purcaro said. 

In other words, stay tuned Vernon.