How sequestration could impact local schools - KOAM TV 7

A cut of $80 billion in automatic federal spending cuts could be coming on Friday.  The cuts will affect every state in areas ranging from military readiness to school education.

Missouri's schools alone will lose $11.9 million in funding for primary and secondary education which leaves schools across the state with some tough decisions.

Carrie Mayes is the Title I teacher for Eugene Field Elementary in Webb City, which means she works with small groups of children who need additional reading and math help.  Her program and job is paid for by federal funding and will be at risk with the sequestration goes through.

"Without additional support from Title I teachers and title one aides I just don't think kids would advance as much as we're seeing," says Mayes.  "When money is cut and programs are cut it hurts kids."

According to assistant superintendent Dr. Trey Moeller, Webb City schools receive about $1 million in federal funding each year, but $50,000 of that could soon be taken away.

"Really, when we cut to the chase, for us at the local levels we're looking at the possibility of a 5% cut to our federal funds," says Dr. Moeller.

According to Dr. Moeller it isn't just Title I programs that are at risk.  He says Webb City schools receive federal funding for special education and free and reduced food programs as well.

"I'm more concerned about the students who need us the most may receive less of a service that they are receiving right now," says Dr. Moeller.

"Our ultimate goal is to get kids to be successful in society and to be college ready, and to be career ready, and without money to do those things, it could really hurt the kids of Missouri," says Mayes.

It isn't just Missouri schools preparing for the worst.  Kansas schools will lose approximately $5.5 million.  Oklahoma will lose $4.9 million.

For a full break down of the state by state impacts of sequestration visit What is the Sequester? State-by-state report.