To:    Parents/Guardians of CMES Students From: Basil Parlett – Chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee          Kathy Kraus – President, PTA Date: May 9, 2007 Re: County Council Budget Hearings The County Executive’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 includes less than half of the increases School Superintendent Maxwell and the Board of Education requested and is the smallest increase in recent memory. This is not the time to be making such drastic cuts in the school budget. The final stage of full day kindergarten (coming to all Crofton schools in the fall) already puts a strain on school funding. The explosive job growth in the West County area over the next few years demands that facilities and instruction be at their best through out the county if we are to attract new residents to the tax base. While these issues seem remote in nature, the proposed budget will certainly have an effect on Crofton Meadows Elementary School. Possible results could certainly include; Increased class sizes from one to seven students per classroom Eliminate Elementary Talent Development program Increase in the walking distance for students to curb transportation costs Mandated Full day kindergarten is partially funded; no funding for cultural arts and media positions to support the students. Potential impact on the county will be even more extreme. Elimination of the International Baccalaureate & Middle Years Programs Reduction of School Supply Allocation by 20% Kill plans for security upgrades and necessary school renovations Higher class sizes across the county with greater impact in Middle and High Schools What can we do? We must let the County Council know how we feel about the proposed budget. The County Council will be holding two public hearings. The first is being held tonight (May 9th) at Old Mill High School and the second is at the Arundel Center (Annapolis) on Monday (May 14). Both hearings begin at 7:00 p.m. If you wish to speak, you will be limited to three minutes (signups for speakers begin at 6:00 p.m.). Even if you don’t wish to speak, coming out and showing your support for the original budget is imperative. Because of the short notice, the larger presence that can be made at tonight’s meeting, the better. If tonight is not possible, please come make yourself seen and/or heard on Monday. And, if that is not possible, contact your County Council representative and make your feelings known. Anne Arundel County ranks 4th in per capita income in the state and yet ranks only 16th in education dollars per pupil. This is a disgrace. But, as parents, if we do nothing, we have only ourselves to blame.