|
One of the nation's most successful educational programs to reach children in poverty stricken regions - Save-the-Children - has again been a targeted reduction in the WV state budget by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
Tomblin has put the ax to a $375,000 appropriation that funds Save-the-Children in Calhoun, Roane, Mason and Cabell counties.
The governor used his line-item veto power 46 times before he signed the state budget bill into law Tuesday. The governor cut $11 million out of the bill approved by state lawmakers last week.
Save-the-Children's State Programs and Partnership Director Anna Hardway, said, "It has been Gov. Tomblin's practice to cut such children's programs to the bone," despite wide legislative support.
Hardway says the program could continue at some level in the five counties, including McDowell, the number of children served would be greatly diminished.
"We'll be working with legislators to try and get some supplement funding to keep going," she said.
West Virginia is a state that Save-the-Children gets little corporate funding.
Calhoun Superintendent of Schools Tim Woodward, last December, praised Arnoldsburg Elementary school and students for being ranked 29th of 401 elementary schools in WV, according to SchoolDigger, giving significant credit to the "Save-the-Children" program, which he said he is seeking to be expanded to Pleasant Hill Elementary.
SchoolDigger is a nation web site that compiles educational data and ranks schools and school systems in states, while the WV Department of Education does not release such data publically.
The Save the Children literacy program provides children in elementary school with the opportunity to increase their reading achievement by supplying the tools they need to develop reading skills and the guidance and support they need to grow as readers.
The program has a number of components regarding child development, with the outcomes carefully monitored.
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.
It has been recognized for commitment, accountability, innovation and collaboration, with work into the heart of communities.
See ARNOLDSBURG ELEMENTARY SAVE-THE-CHILDREN PROGRAM RECEIVES FREE SNEAKERS FOR CALHOUN KIDS - 5,000 Books Donated
NATIONAL SAVE-THE-CHILDREN PARTNERS VISIT ARNOLDSBURG ELEMENTARY - "Impressed With Arnoldsburg Kids," Sen. Edgell Recognized For Funding Playground
| 
