Letter to Board of Education, February 3, 2009
Dear Dr. Cousin and Members of the Board of Education,
I am writing on behalf of the Atholton High School Parent Teacher Student Association Executive Board (AHS PTSA) to express our support of the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for FY 2010. We applaud the considerable evaluation and planning evident in this budget. The proposed budget clearly reflects the priorities of continuing programs and initiatives which support the success of each student while recognizing the extreme fiscal challenges ahead.
We support the reallocation of funding, as well as the purposeful reduction of expenses to accommodate growth in critical need areas such as enrollment growth, and growing ESOL and academic support programs. Careful review of unfilled positions, and reductions in conference attendance, Worker’s Compensation and deferral of vehicle replacement are all prudent measures.
We view the proposed reductions in building maintenance with cautious optimism, as the assessments completed the past several years, and documented by the Gilbert studies, have shown that there is still great attention needed at many facilities. As was identified in the 2006 Gilbert report, Atholton HS has significant immediate needs, and we appreciate that we are scheduled for a major systemic renovation in FY12. It is our sincere hope that deferring maintenance will not push out the renovation schedule. Successful delivery of instruction depends on a properly functioning building.
We remain ready to do whatever is necessary to assist in acquiring a dedicated funding source for the Howard County Public School System, and we look forward to working with you in this endeavor.
Our board recognizes the challenges facing you in achieving funding for this budget and the difficult decisions which may await you should it not be fully funded. We appreciate that your decisions are made with the best interest of our students as the primary factor guiding you.
Sincerely,
Caryn D. Lasser
AHS PTSA President