April 6, 1998
TO: MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Lori Goldberg Cohen
PARENT OF BURNING TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT
RE: SCHOOL BOARD'S 1999 BUDGET/CLASS SIZE
Mr. President and Members of the Council:
I am here this evening as a parent who is deeply concerned about the current status of our school system. My children are at the very beginning of their school education. My daughter is in first grade and my son will enter kindergarten in the fall. Their future depends on the quality of education they receive now.
All week I have thought about what to say tonight. I have spoken with parents, teachers and School Board budget analysts. I have read the Citizen's Budget and the County Executive's recommendations. I have read Superintendent Vance's February 23,1998 memo to the School Board of Non-recommended Reductions where he states, "these reductions ($39.8million) would have a devastating impact on the quality of education in Montgomery County. It would be impossible to make any improvements in class size reduction, targeted at improving student achievement in elementary school reading and secondary school mathematics, and other multiyear initiatives approved by the Board. In addition to reduction in improvements, expenditure reductions of this magnitude would require painful and undesirable reductions in services throughout the school system, with the bulk directly affecting instructional programs."
Devastating impact, impossible to make any improvements, painful and undesirable reductions. Doesn't Vance's statement convince this Council to approve the School Board's 1999 Budget? There should be no need to tell you how frustrated teachers are? That they feel overwhelmed by their workload. That we are losing our best teachers to other professions. That classes are so overcrowded it is hard for the teacher to adequately address all of the needs of the students in the classroom. That certain after school programs, which are extremely beneficial to middle and high school students, have been cut or eliminated. That the curriculum has deteriorated. That school buildings are in need of repairs. That many elementary schools must use their all-purpose room as a cafeteria, gym, and theater. That textbook and instructional supplies have been cut. And the list goes on and on.
Montgomery County schools have suffered terribly from the budgetary cuts that have been made over the past 8 years. We need to change this trend of harmful cuts. We must rapidly restore the levels of spending for education. We should be leading the country in developing innovative curriculum programs. For example, more "hands on" science and math activities, more phonics, grammar, geography, history, drama, arts, music and sports. Data shows that there is a wide disparity of academic skills amongst students entering school. Thus, our schools must be better suited to challenge these students at all academic levels.
Last October I spoke to the Council during the Spending Affordability Hearings, requesting that the Council provide adequate fuinding for the School Board's 1999 Budget to reduce class size. At that time, it was not known that both fiscal year 1998 and 1999 revenues would be significantly greater than anticipated. Thus, the Council, should re-evaluate the spending guidelines it set for the School Boards 1999 Budget and incorporate the Board's recommendations.
This Council should take a leadership role in allocating the surplus of funds in the County. Maintaining a high standard of excellence throughout our public schools is crucial. A weak school system has dramatic economic impact throughout our community. Make our schools a priority. Approve the School Board's Budget now.
Thank you.