Schools Lose 15,000 Jobs in December, Extending Damage Since Recession Hit

Today’s jobs report finds that local school districts cut 15,000 jobs for teachers, principals, and other school employees in December — a painful reminder that the recession is far from over for the nation’s schools.

Schools have cut about 300,000 jobs since the start of the recession.  Yet, the number of students they are expected to educate has increased by about 800,000 over the same period. (See chart.)

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Strong schools are a crucial building block of a healthy economy.  States should be making the investments necessary to rebuild and strengthen their schools, instead of extending the damage that’s already been done.