McLean, Va. - As the national financial outlook worsens, governments at all levels are feeling the pinch. Economic conditions are now having an effect on classrooms around the region as schools try to maintain standards while cutting corners.

As the new year rolls in, school leaders in northern Virginia are bracing themselves for steep budget cuts at the county and state levels.

The Washington Post reports that Governor Tim Kaine's proposal calls for a 7 percent reduction in K-12 state funding. That would mean $48 million less for Fairfax County (web | news) schools and $40 million less for Prince William County (web | news) . Moreover, he also proposed slashing $83 million from the budget for school construction. But the deepest cuts would affect staff, like nurses and social workers.

"I think education is one of those things you need to protect," argues parent Sherlene Matten. "I think the times we're in makes it more difficult to make difficult choices."

Girls' gymnastics and indoor track may be on the chopping block in Fairfax County, while plans for a new high school in Prince William may be put on the back burner.

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