Greetings!
Are you
aware of the discussions at the state capitol regarding significant
cuts to our local public
schools? As a Midwest City-Del City Public Schools Foundation supporter, we
thought you would like to better understand some of these issues.
In addition, be on the watch for your letter from Coaches Mike and Cale Gundy - Midwest City alums - asking for your support of the foundation. Not on our mailing list? Let us know and we'll happily add you to ensure you receive our communications!
|
|
Facts About School Funding
|
|
Oklahoma currently spends less per student on public
education than 90% of other states. We rank 45th in spending
per pupil.
Because of current state income
shortfalls, Oklahoma's
legislators are discussing cuts to spending on public education this year of between 5% and 10%.
In the Mid-Del schools, for
every 1% reduction in state aid, the district loses over $410,000 - 90% of
the district's budget is people, in other words, jobs.
At the lowest end of the cuts
discussed, the positions of people who retire or leave may not be filled this year and temporary hires may be laid off. Even at 7.5%, stringent actions will have to be considered, including a hiring freeze, purchasing cuts, or worse. Bond ratings could be in jeopardy.
|
|
What Are the Options?
Mid-Del
schools are already economizing and implementing initiatives to lower spending
without impacting our kids or our forward momentum.
District
leaders are aware that budgets for next year will be reduced, likely in a
significant way, and are preparing a considered response to those realities.
But significant cuts this year are virtually unmanageable when personnel
commitments are in place and instructional programs are underway.
Did you
know that Oklahoma has a Rainy Day Fund of about $600 million that
could help the state's schools and other public agencies weather this
year's funding crisis?
Currently,
Governor Brad Henry supports using a significant portion of the Rainy Day Fund
to maintain services through the end of the fiscal year, giving schools and
others time to plan for cuts next year. Legislative leaders currently want to
hold off using most of that money.
This is a
critical time for schools, and we invite all who care about the schools to
learn more and make sure that our representatives know your opinion, whatever
it may be.
|
Ways to Further the Foundation's Work
|
Do you know other people who would like to stay up to date on news from the Midwest City-Del City Public Schools Foundation? Use the buttons below to forward this email!
You can also Donate Now to support the vital work of the Midwest City-Del City Public Schools
Foundation.
|
