What would you want to see to support next year's budget?

[Thomas Jennings Jr.]

I'm confused, this year none of those things were set to be cut....then the budgets went down and there was more cut so now the extras are being cut.

I see what you are saying for next year, to include them. But if they include them and the budget is slightly higher will it get passed? I doubt it.

I have never heard anyone in an admin position say once it is gone, its gone. I think this is a different situation. If the budget is voted down year after year, yes they are gone. If they get voted to pass, granting that they are not asking insane increases every year, I think the sports and extras would be right back.

As far as what will they cut next year? How about we work to figure something out so it doesn't need to be voted down next year...then worry about that. If we are saying "lets not look at things that will hurt the students" yet we are also saying "we don't want to pay more", eventually one of those things goes to the wayside. Allowing a budget to go down knowing the possibility of closing another school exists and would affect a great number of children in significant ways; Why allow that to happen?

The way that the BOEs are so close to administration is what is preventing admin costs to stay the same. I would say that reduction of admin costs is something many people, teachers and public alike, could agree on.

[Al_Miller]

In Howell District the Sports & Extracurriculars were on the chopping block in the first budget presentation and then were added back as long as the budget passes. Of course the budget didn't and they were cut. However parents said they thought it was another threat by the BOE pass our budget or else we take from your child.

The remark once they are cut they are gone for good was definitely said by a Howell BOE Administrator. I doubled check with a few people that attend meetings also.

I don't think another School can be closed with the current enrollment but will question that at tomorrow's Facilities Committee Meeting being I am on that as a Citizen Member.

I know a lot of parents will be watching how the contract negotiations go betwenn the BOE & the HTEA this year. I am sure that will have an impact on the Budget passing or not too.

I would love to go back to my PTA / PTO and say they did everything they could and support the budget. So I will attend as many BOE Meeting both regular and committee to see how things progress.

[Al_Miller]

Tim
A question was asked to me and I wanted to ask you. If you can look into this. If you want to send me a private message answer to it it would be OK. Why is it that the BOE community relations committee only meets from Oct. - March. I also think if they met every month you might be able to get some ideas from all of them also. I think that committee has like 20 or more members representing all PTA / PTOs.

[Tim OBrien]

Al,
I will look into it. 
Tim