It's not too late to advocate for the WJC Schools' Budget

4/29/08

Dear School Supporters,

It's not too late to contact county/city elected officials and ask them NOT to reduce the proposed teacher or staff's salary increases and to fully fund the schools’ operating budget (currently the county’s proposed budget leaves a $300,000 shortfall).

In addition, ask them to fully fund the new elementary and middle school so they will be quality schools with the full range of instructional technology.

We must counteract those lobbying the JCC supervisors to leave WJC Schools $2.3 million short of their proposed operating budget, largely on the backs of teachers and staff by reducing their 4.5% salary increase to the 3% increase proposed for county employees. This is the wrong approach when we need to continue to attract and retain the best teachers and teachers’ assistants for our students.

Despite the difficult financial times, we should do our best to PROTECT OUR SCHOOLS. Fortunately, the state is picking up much of the new funds the schools need for operating funds this year, and the county has to provide only a 1.9% increase of its funds.

CLICK HEREto email the JCC Supervisors and Williamsburg City Council ASAP. The JCC Supervisors will be meeting with the School Board and discussing school funding on Wednesday, April 30, so it is very important they hear from you now.

Thank you to all those who already made their voices heard and thank you for supporting our schools!

Mike Ludwick