Community News and Events
Legislative Update
(Februrary 2009) For information on critical issues affecting your child's education check out the websites of the National PTA at http://www.pta.org, and the Maryland PTA at http://www.mdpta.org.
The Carroll County Board of Education (BOE) prepares two budget requests each year: Capital and Operating. The Capital budget funds school construction and renovation (latest request approved by BOE on Sept. 23). The Operating budget funds staffing, classroom resources, transportation, facility maintenance, etc.
Will class sizes be reduced? What is CCPS doing about overcrowding and the need for modernization at Mt. Airy Middle? When will South Carroll High School receive the improvements necessary to bring it up to par with other high schools in the county? Read the official PTA position on School Modernization at http://www.pta.org/topic_school_modernization_overview.asp. After BOE approval, the budget requests are sent to State funding agencies and the County Commissioners for final approval. Since funding is limited, attending key meetings and writing to your representatives is critical in making sure improvements to our schools get done.
The dates for public presentation, review, and input are: Wednesday, February 4, 2009 (rescheduled from January 28) BOE Offices, Rm 007 -6:00 pm (Public Hearing and Board Work Session on Budget), Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Public Hearing - South Carroll High School - 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, February 25, 2009 BOE Offices, Rm 007-1:00 pm (Public Hearing/Adoption of Board of Education's Proposed FY 10 Budget. Meeting agendas are posted at http://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/ccps/Board.nsf/Public?OpenFrameSet
For more information on how the Economic Stimulus Package may affect public schools (and what you can do about it!), upcoming hearings, and how to contact your representatives in the county, read the entire Legislative Update. Be active! Be informed! Be heard!CCPS Budget
September marks the beginning of fall and the beginning of the new CCPS budget cycle. Your help is needed in order to improve the schools that serve our community!!!
The Carroll County Board of Education (BOE) prepares two budgets each year: Capital and Operating. The Capital budget funds school construction and renovation (budget hearing: Sept. 2, 2008 @ 7PM BOE Building - 125 Court Street, Westminster). The Operating budget funds staffing, classroom resources, transportation, facility maintenance, etc. (budget hearing: Jan. 2009).
Public hearings are held soon after the proposed budgets are prepared. After the hearings, the BOE-approved budget requests are sent to State funding agencies and the County Commissioners for final approval. The BOE sets priorities but does not have funding authority.
Mackenzie Stuck Web Site
As you may know, Mackenzie is a 3rd grader in our school that is currently undergoing treatment for a malignant brain tumor. This web site offers up-to-date information on Mackenzie's condition, and you or your child can write a note to Mackenzie in the "guest book". From the home page, click on "visit a CaringBridge site" on the top right, and enter "mackenziestuck" in the site name box.
For more information on upcoming events to support Mackenzie, see the "Support Mackenzie Stuck" page.
Cartridge Recycling for a Good Cause
Thank you everyone who sent in their empty ink and laser printer cartridges last year. Even though we had a late start toward the end of the year, we were able to donate over $200 to the Erik Lerch Foundation and the Mackenzie Stuck Foundation. We will be continuing this effort and the money raised will again be split between these two local charities. Please send in your empty printer cartridges in a zip lock bag or plastic bag and put them in the recycle bins found in the lobbies of both MAES and Parr's. If you have any questions, please call Tracy Rouchard at 410-795-4264.