FYI - Possible budget cuts for FCPS next year

Band Booster Parents,

 

For your information, I'm sending along two letters addressing the possible budget cuts for Fairfax County Public Schools next year.

 

Attached is a helpful letter from our PTSA President, Dick Reed, addressing the issue.  Dick describes the budget problem  (for eg., career  centers may be eliminated) and spells out how we can become informed and get involved.  (Thanks, Dick!)

 

Below is a letter that the boosters at Glasgow Middle School initiated.  This letter is amined specifically at music programs in the budget.

 

It looks like FCPS will have some tough decisions to make, and as parents (and teachers and students!), we should try to be informed and active.

Lorraine

 

 

Dear Parents of [school] Music Students,

You may have heard that Fairfax County has a severe budget shortfall projected for the next school year. Once of the cuts that the county is considering is cutting ALL Elementary band and orchestra. This will result in an estimated savings of only $7 million, out of a $162 million shortfall.

Here is the link to the news release: http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=1276

Please make your voices heard. Cutting music in elementary school MAY save a few dollars now, but the total negative impact over many, many years will far outweigh any short term savings. This will severely impact not only the kids in elementary school, but middle school and high school music programs as well in the years to come.  Starting music at a young age is so important. We can't let the county cut music programs.

How Can I Help- you may ask. Here's how.

Go to the County website and complete the Budget Feedback Form online. It only takes a minute and you don't have to provide any personal information. You can find that link here:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11suggestions.htm

OR, Attend a community dialog on the budget. To attend, you need to register, and you can do that at this link, or by calling 703-324-9400.  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11communitydialogue.htm

Community Dialog Dates:
Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. to noon
- Centreville Regional Library
- Reston Regional Library
- John Marshall Library
Thursday, October 29, 7 to 9 p.m.
- South Lakes High School Cafeteria
- Woodson High School Cafeteria
Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. to noon
- Kings Park Library
- Sherwood Regional Library
- George Mason Regional Library

Please let the county know THEY CANNOT CUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC. IT IS TOO IMPORTANT FOR OUR KIDS!!

--
Thanks for your support!
Glasgow Music Boosters