Budget Issues - 2005

On March 3, the District released a 156 page document of proposed budget cuts. As expected, TAG services are once again on the chopping block, with two (2) FTE positions slated to be cut. According to the administration "While 2 FTEs would be a painful cut, it would be possible to continue meeting the priorities involving curriculum and instruction and staff development as well as improving student achievement." p. 62

The administration is also proposing cutting $50,000 that would be used to pay for substitutes while classroom teachers engaged in professional development around issues related to providing students with the next level of challenge. For those of us who've been there before, you'll recall that last year the District also proposed cutting 2 FTE positions and successfully (?) put a one year moratorium on the TAG support funds.

Talking Points to include in any letters or testimony before the Board.

Email addresses for Board Members and the Administration

MMSD Budget Pages relating to this year's budget debate.

 

Deja Vu all over again: previous budget issues - 2004

The 2002 Virchow Krause Functional Analysis as it relates to the TAG program or view the entire report. The March 3 list of Budget Discussion Items makes note of the impact the cut in TAG staff will have by mentioning that there is a larger proportion of our highest achieving students represented in our non-attending/dropout population than any other group.(emphasis added)

Wisconsin State Statutes related to gifted and talented education (DPI website)