Dear Parents,

Several Albemarle County Supervisors will host community meetings for their constituents during the month of March. One topic that will be discussed at length at these town hall meetings is school funding and the BOS's recently advertised tax increase of 4.2 cents per $100 of tax value. Currently the county school's budget shortfall (budget vs expected funding) is expected to be about $7M.  With the advertised tax increase the budget shortfall will be reduced to $2.4M.  

The Board of Supervisors would like to hear feedback from their constituents on this topic.  It is very important that the Supervisors be made aware of your opinion, for your opinions will strongly impact the BOS's tax rate decision. 

Here is the schedule of town hall meetings:

Saturday, March 8, (10am) --Whitehall Community Center with Ann Mallek*

Tuesday, March 11 (7:00 to 8:30) -- Jack Jouett Middle School media center with Diantha McKeel* and Kate Acuff**

Tuesday, March 11 (6:30 to 8:30) --Stone Robinson Elementary School with Jane Dittmar* and Steve Koleszar**

Monday, March 17 (5:00 to 6:30) --Victory Hall in the Scottsville Town Council Room with Jane Dittmar* and Steve Koleszar**

Tuesday, March 18 (6:30 to 8:30) --Monticello High School Forum with Jane Dittmar*, Liz Palmer*, Eric Strucko**

* Supervisor  ** School Board member

Two points of reference:

-To determine the impact of this tax increase on your annual tax bill, multiply the assessed value of your home times 0.00042  So for example, if your home is assessed at $400K your tax bill would go up by $168 for the year or $14 per month.  

- Also, note that this is only a proposed tax increase - the BOS will vote in April on whether to adopt this as next year's tax rate or reduce it.  They can not increase it over the proposed rate.  If they vote to reduce it, this will reduce school funding.

So PLEASE do consider attending one of these meetings and bring your friends.  If you support funding the schools, let's be sure the Supervisors know that!!  And if you have any questions (big or small), please email Laura Steenburgh, [email protected].

- Laura Steenburgh & Kristina Parker

PTO Co-Presidents