Fwd: CRITICAL FACE UPDATE!

Band Parents ,

I am sure that you are all aware of the potential budget challenges of FCPS.  As parents, we are all able to share our opinions with the online budget proposal tool on fcps.edu.

There is a group known as FACE - Fairfax Arts Coalition in Education and they are leading the fight to save the arts in Fairfax County. Below is the email that was sent to Mr. Burke from a fellow band director in our county.  Please take the time to read his and his co-chair comments.  Then access the budget tool to submit a proposal that would not eliminate our band programs.

I am not sure how long the tool will be available -- but please try to submit your proposal by October 5th.  The tool is quite simple to use; however, making the choices is a bit more difficult.  The website offers choices of services, adding to the classroom size, changing the school start time, 1/2 day kindergarten and others.  Share your opinions.  This is one way to try to have your tax dollars be spent where you believe is most important to you. 

Thanks for your support.  Theresa Larsen

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Christian Donlon <cdonloncd@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 10, 2015 at 11:45 PM
Subject: CRITICAL FACE UPDATE!
To:

Dear Colleagues.

 

I hope everyone had a smooth first week of school!  Please read this in its entirety.  Mary Wagner, Jenna Day (FACE Booster Coordinator) and Joan Delcoco (FACE Choir Parent Contact) attended the information meeting on the budget Wednesday.  The meeting was well attended and we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Garza, Budget Task Force members and a few school board members.

 

There is a new task for you to complete by Oct 5.  School board member and long time advocate for the Arts, Janie Strauss, calls this a "critical task." 

 

Click the following link to access the new budget tool:  https://budgettool.fcps.edu/  

 

Once there, you will find very clear instructions on how to use the tool.  Basically, they are asking the public to look at the list of possible cuts and fee increases for guidance.  You need to cut $50 million and as you drag your choices to the proposal section, the cost is subtracted from the $50 million.  You have to be within 10% of the $50 million or the tool will not let you finish.

 

Below are a list of cuts that impact the arts, do not include any of the following when you list your cuts:  

·         Reduce High School Class Offerings from the current 7 Classes to 6 classes for  $26 million. (School and Staffing category)

·         Go to a Trimester High School schedule with 5 periods a day for $16.7 Million. (School and Staffing category)

·         Elementary Band and Orchestra which would move the starting year back by one so Strings would start in 5^th grade and Band in 6^th.  This is a $4.5 Million cut and would include 49 positions. (Instructional Programs)

·         Eliminate stipends. (Employee Compensation)

 

Once you complete a $50 million proposal, you will be asked if you would like to submit a proposal for a $75 million deficit; please do this (it will counteract many folks from choosing the 7 period day to close the remaining shortfall) Finally, you can enter your comments.  You should clearly state your priorities regarding which programs should  be kept, i.e., the Arts.  Once you finish you will be asked if you are a community member, parent, student or teacher.  Use your personal email address and choose community member.  If you do not live in Fairfax County you may choose teacher.  Give your zip code and your email to receive updates.  Dr. Garza and FEA are encouraging teachers to do this also but we can do that later.  This information MUST be shared with your parents. 

 

I used the tool this evening.  It was very difficult to imagine anything on the list going away.  Given all that is on the chopping block, the elementary band and string cut looks very feasible.  The public will think it's only one year and it cuts $4.5 million, easy choice. After speaking to people at the meeting, the 7 period day looks less likely to be cut BUT if people fill in this tool and tell them to cut it, it will go.  

 

It is a very busy time of year for everybody.  While I appreciate this fact, we need to do more.  I only received a booster contact from two people and noticed very little change in votes on the budget suggestion topics that were addressed in the last email.  Please know that the school board, superintendent, and budget task force have stated they do not want to cut the arts.  However, if they do not receive the message loud and clear to leave them alone, they will.  Inaction could be devastating to our programs; we are counting on you to do this!

 

Christian Donlon  & Mary Wagner

FACE co-chairs