Children Offer Allowance, Lemonade Stands To Offset Education Cuts

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Madi Beth Debenport may be young, but she and her classmates are already getting a tough lesson in school finance.

School districts across North Texas are slashing millions of dollars from their budgets. Jobs and programs are on the line. By now, most students have heard rumblings that big changes may be coming.

"I don't really understand it that much," said Debenport, who goes to Daggett Montessori in Fort Worth.

What most students do understand is that their teachers could lose their jobs.

"I think it will be very sad to lose your favorite teacher," said Paisley McGee, a second grader. "It's like when your puppy dies."

Emma Westhoff agrees, "I didn't want anybody to go so I started crying."

Lily Debenport was really worried about the lunch ladies.

"If one gets fired they have to get up early to do the lunch," explained Debenport.

Some districts say the cuts could mean larger class sizes. And even some programs like music, art and PE could feel the impact.

Carter Scheer loves kickball and the thought of it not being around is devastating.

"Then I wouldn't know what to do it would be really seriously sad," Scheer said.

There may not be any easy solutions, but these friends are willing to help out.

"I would try to knock on people's doors to ask them if I can wash your cars if that doesn't work I would do a lemonade stand," McGee said.

Scheer added, "I probably ask my mom and do whatever she says."

Westhoff is offering her allowance "I've got $20 and I'm still collecting."

Experts say the best way to explain the cuts to children is to be honest and tell them they will see changes at school. They also advised parents not to transfer any frustration with the situation to their children.