Learning at ARPS
February 3, 2006
Dear Everyone Learning at ARPS:
As the expression goes in the public school arena, "We know money isn't the solution to everything, but could we try it just once?"
Federal funds designed to level the playing field for children continue to dwindle as the politicians preach tax cuts. Increases in state revenues for Regional schools (our middle school and high school) are minimal at best and still below 2002 revenues, state coffers are refilling, and the Governor wants to lower taxes.
It's simple math:
F$ + S$ + T$ = E!
If F$ and S$ are reduced or increased minimally and E! is to remain constant, T$ must increase.
Federal $ + State $ + Towns $ = Education for Children.
If Education Budgets for Children are a constant at best, and Federal and State funds are reduced and increase only slightly, the pressure is placed on Towns to increase funds.
Fortunately, our local legislators "get it" and are remarkable advocates for our children and for Regional Schools funding equity. Still, all State and Federal legislators, committee chairs, and corporate leaders need to step up to the plate. Federal and national leaders need to understand the effects of not funding IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and other level-the-playing-field grants. State leaders need to understand how funding models for Regional Schools are not working.
Our four towns will struggle to figure this out-and they will figure it out! Still, they are in an unenviable position as the burden to fund schools at the current level has been dropped on their shoulders and in local taxpayers' pocket books.
In the spirit of American tradition, "Please-Write your congressperson"-and corporate leaders-and editors. We are not a failing school. We do not need charters, vouchers, more regulations, and silver bullets. We need continuous financial support for continuous improvement of our continuous success! We have our challenges and we are addressing them. We need their support.
Please note that there will be a second Learning@ARPS email today which will feature a memo from Amherst School Committee Chair Elaine Brighty. Please take time to read it carefully because Ms. Brighty has done a wonderful job of summing up the budget challenges we are facing.
Thanks,
Jere Hochman
Superintendent