Science, math on chopping block in Brevard

State and local budget woes are now cutting into education bone. Brevard County is facing tough decisions as money shortfalls continue. One serious option is to lay off math and science teachers.

The loss of those teachers could threaten Brevard’s leading position in the state in two subject areas that the White House has declared a national priority. Typically, Brevard Public Schools trumps most other districts when it comes to math and science FCAT scores and competitions.

“We are on the right track with math and science, but this would put us three steps back,” said Pam Mitchell, principal of Central Middle in West Melbourne.

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Some worry that fewer science and math teachers will mean fewer hands-on activities that help students comprehend difficult course material.

Large science classes could limit the number — and type — of experiments. “When the future is in math and science, it will be hard to see that change,” said Jan Fredheim, a science teacher at Central Middle. “How will our kids be globally competitive? We need to protect them.”