[MeriwetherMatters] MLS Matters - Budget Update 3/30/07

[MLS Matters]

MLS Parents -
   
    Thank you for your effective efforts to turn out the support for education funding at the Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting two weeks ago.  The standing-room-only crowd certainly let the BOS know that education funding is important to our community.
   
  The BOS has announced a real estate tax rate reduction from 74 cents to 70 cents per $100 assessed value.  Several BOS have voiced support for a lower tax rate of 68 cents.  Since the majority of School Division funding comes from local sources (primarily the real estate tax), a tax rate decrease requires the School Board to reduce its 2007-08 school year Funding Request to the BOS.
   
    A Budget Update (dated March 29, 2007) is provided on the County Schools' website, and is attached.  It details the the School Board's 2007-08 Funding Request revisions as a result of the BOS tax reduction by at least $2.5 million.  
   
  Specifically to MLS, the School Board revisions:
  1.  eliminate proposed funding to explore the International Baccalaureate Program (IBO),
  2.  eliminate proposed funding to provide a literacy specialist position up to .5 FTE (which all other elementary schools have, except MLS and Murray)
  3.  eliminate MLS' assistant principal position
   

  The BOS will receive public comment on the budget next week (during our Spring Break) Wednesday, April 4th, 6:00pm.  This timing is a challenge for parents, as many have travel plans during Spring Break.  If you are in town and can attend the BOS public hearing in support of education funding, please plan to attend and try to sit together with other education supporters.  The BOS acknowledges a visible presence at public hearings.  There is strength and message in numbers !!
   
  A local community group that wants the BOS to lower the real estate tax lower than 68 cents is encouraging citizens to attend the BOS April 4th public hearing and bring 1 tea bag to present to each BOS member.  The tea bags are to represent the taxation issue relative to the historic Boston Tea Party.  A large audience is anticipated for the public hearing.
   
  The county budget process is presented on the County's website, you can find it by following these prompts on the County website:
  www.albemarle.org
  "What's New?"
  "Recommended Budget" - budget summaries, as well as the entire budget is available on this web page for detailed review
   
  This email is not intended to support or oppose taxes, rather it is an effort to inform and notify you of cuts to our school as a result of the real estate tax reduction and the resulting School Board reductions in it's Funding Request.  Obviously, full funding for education provides more educational opportunities for our MLS students, and the BOS needs to hear that message.  You are encouraged to contact the BOS members with your position on the budget.  The two documents listed in this email provide an oversight of the proposed budget.  And, specifics to MLS are provided.
   
  All BOS members may be emailed:
     
  bos at albemarle.org
   
  The BOS members are:
  Lindsay Dorrier 434-286-9399
  Dennis Rooker 434-977-7424
  Sally Thomas 434-298-1819
  David Slutzky 434-989-5888
  David Wyant 434-823-5818
  Ken Boyd (Chairman) 434-977-9981
   
   
  Thank you for your support of our MLS students !
   
  "Mary Huffard" Kegley Scott
  Executive Committee, Albemarle County Schools Parent Council
  & MLS PTO Volunteer Coordinator
  maryhuffard at yahoo.com
  293-8587



 
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