Don’t Get Mad – Get Active! Kickoff Meeting Tonight- 7:30 PM

The dire picture that is emerging from the town’s public school system and town government about the cuts that will be necessary next year to erase a more than $2 million budget in town finances are scary. But don’t get mad (or freaked out), – get active!

Tonight (Sunday) at 7:30 PM the folks behind Yes For Belmont (http://yesforbelmont.org) have organized a kick-off meeting in the Wadsworth Room, Belmont Hill School Athletic Center (2nd floor).

This is a great way to learn more about the override and get involved in the campaign to pass it.

Some background: according to a projected budget put together by the School Department, the schools face the prospect of deep cuts in the next fiscal year including:

  • Overall: 14 teaching positions and nearly 10 aides, average class size of 27 at BHS
  • Elementary schools: reduced music education, the firing of a third grade teacher (despite skyrocketing enrollment) the elimination of more than seven aides.
  • Middle School: Elimination of 8th grade music and art electives, further cuts to the team teaching models in English, math, science social studies and world language, elimination of some small group reading sections.
  • High School: Elimination of 1 English, 1 Math, 1 Social Studies and 1 fine and performing arts teacher. Elimination of AP art and other electives, prohibitions on seniors taking more than 5 classes.
  • District wide: elimination of a science director, elimination of a preschool teacher and other firings. Cuts to instructional material and supplies, reduction of facilities and professional development, ~$300 or ~$400 increase in fees for full day kindergarten.

That will be matched by cuts in town services as well: reductions in everything from road and sidewalk maintenance to grounds keeping and library hours.

Your presence and involvement are really critical if the override is to be a success. Come on out to Belmont Hill School tonight and learn more!