Being a Gov. David Paterson supporter, I was surprised when he proposed more than $600 million in mid-year cuts to schools. I found it particularly alarming considering the National Assessment of Educational Progress exams show no improvement in the state's embarrassingly low academic achievement levels.

So if our students aren't performing well, why on earth would you cut from education? Having fewer teachers and more students certainly isn't going to help the students get the personal attention they need.

Besides, schools have already had to cut teaching positions. Many schools have had to consolidate to unmanageable levels. I imagine the next positions on the chopping-block will be the people who serve as classroom aides. And with more schools moving toward an “inclusion” model, in which special needs students learn alongside their peers, how are teachers supposed to divide their attention without assistance?

Consider: could you manage 30 second-graders without help? I know I couldn't and I seriously doubt Paterson could.

As Paterson lives with a disability, I find it surprising that he isn't fighting for more positions to help students with disabilities. As the first African-American governor in the state's history, I find it surprising that he isn't doing more to address the racial achievement gap. In fact, what has Paterson done for education?

I applaud how hard he has worked to promote healthy school lunches, but education should have been his top priority.

In today's economy, parents can't afford to stay at home with their children. If the home is no longer an extension of the classroom, then teachers need to work that much harder to make sure that the individual needs of their students are met before the last bell rings. And that can't be accomplished on a shoestring budget. If you don't believe me, compare student performance at inner city schools with schools in high income areas and then try to tell me that money doesn't matter.

The fiscal crisis necessitates cuts in spending. But education should never have to suffer to accommodate the bottom line. I think Paterson needs to take a second look at the budget. I think a fine-tooth comb might reveal a number of places where good old fashioned philanthropy could foot the bill in place of the state.

In the meantime, I think the teachers unions should organize a rally to make absolutely certain that Paterson hears loud and clear that these cuts simply can't happen.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com