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April 13, 2010

Time to Stand Up for Schools (again)

Despite the 2008 referendum which so many of us worked so hard to pass, state actions and inaction have once again placed the quality of our public schools in jeopardy. It is time to stand up for our schools (again).

On Sunday April 18th at 1:00 pm at Warner Park Community Recreation Center – 1625 Northport Dr. – the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education will hold their second Public Hearing on the 2010-11 district budget. The Board needs to hear from the community that we value education and are willing to pay to keep our schools strong. Progressive Dane urges community members to attend and make their voices heard.

Even if you don't want to speak at the meeting, you can attend register with positive message. If you can't make on Sunday, the Board can be contacted at board@madison.k12.wi.us.

Unlike in previous years when state school funding policies required large cuts to programs and services, this year the Board of Education has the authority to almost fully fund programs at current levels. Unfortunately doing so will mean substantial property tax increases. This places the Board in a difficult position and as they work through the choices before them it is essential that they be reminded of the importance our community places on education.

Many of the budget issues are complex, but the message is simple.

• For the good of the community and the future of our children, keeping our schools strong has to be the first priority.
• After 16 years of cuts to programs and services and generally declining school taxes, tax increases are preferable to further cuts.
• The over $6 million in cuts, efficiencies and reallocations initially approved at the April 12, 2010 meeting are almost entirely positive examples of fiscal responsibility. These items will have little or no effect on the quality of programs and services. The vast majority of the remaining options may have significant negative impacts and should be considered very carefully.
• The district must fund essential facilities maintenance and plan for future needs.
• Affordable MSCR and Community Education programs keep Madison healthy and make our community a desirable place to live.
• We are eager to work with the Board to achieve adequate, equitable and sustainable state school funding in Wisconsin.

For more information on the MMSD Budget see here: http://drupal.madison.k12.wi.us/node/6001

To show your support and keep informed, join the Stand Up for Madison Schools Facebook group: http://tiny.cc/u86nm

To get involved in state advocacy, check out the Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools www.excellentschools.org and their Penny for Kids campaign www.apennyforkids.org.

Thomas J. Mertz & Jacque Pokorney
Co-Chairs, Progressive Dane

Posted by prodane at 03:13 PM ">