HCPSS Budget Cuts - HELP NEEDED!

Attention Parents:
Our kids need your help!  HCPSS is currently in the process of establishing the operating budget for next school year, and we are in danger of having significant cuts to include:

• Increased class sizes at all levels
• Reduction of Elementary GT programs
• Loss of 3rd grade Orchestra
• Reduction of summer school programs
• Loss of Media positions and programming
• Combining High School science paraeducator position with testing assistant into one position
• Reduction in curricular field trips and sixth grade team building activities
• Decrease in custodial positions

We need parents to advocate for more funding for our school system!  What can I do?

1. E-mail the BOE at [email protected] and ask them to request more money from the county so that we can continue to be a world class school system.  In addition, you can let the Board know what programs are most important to you and ask them NOT to increase class sizes.
2. Contact the County Executive, Dr. Calvin Ball at [email protected] and the County Council at [email protected] to request that the county increase the money being allocated to HCPSS.  Let them know more money is needed to avoid cutting necessary services.
3. Reach out to our state delegates and the governor to ask the state to increase the funding for schools so we can afford the new initiatives put forth by the Blueprint mandates. Let them know that without additional state funding positions and services critical to the operation of our schools and education of our students will be cut. Contact information and more details on advocating for the budget including sample emails can be found in the following document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tSBW3lrFhFOVzIB3wP2AckqtkKPE4UiV-JOeoiYkRSA/edit
4. Show up to the Budget meetings, bring friends and neighbors, and testify in person if you can.  We need to demonstrate that our school system is important to us!