Frequently Asked Questions about the School Advocacy Process
What is the Baltimore Education Coalition?
The Baltimore Education Coalition (BEC) is composed of 30+ advocacy groups aimed at organizing the families, teachers and communities throughout Baltimore City to influence education funding at the State level. Did you know that over 70% of Baltimore City Schools funding comes from the State? It’s in our best interest to be actively engaged in the State budget process. Click here to view a chart of state funding to Baltimore City Public Schools for fiscal year 2010 (July 2009 – June 2010).
Where did the proposed additional $30 million for Baltimore City Schools in Governor O’Malley’s proposed budget come from?
City schools have signed up more than 9,000 new students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS) – largely through a registration campaign driven by community partners like ACLU of Maryland, BUILD, Greater Homewood Community Corporation, and local churches (members of the Baltimore Education Coalition). This adds up to an addition $4,700 per student for a total of $43 million. The proposed budget increase includes this extra funding, along with cuts in other areas, for a net increase in $30 million in financial benefits from the state.
So it seems like we’re OK for this year with the proposed additional $30 million?
The additional $30 million is only proposed. The House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee must approve the budget and they have the power to cut it. Senate President Mike Miller has expressly stated he plans to cut the budget.
If we do keep the additional $30 million intact this year, we face a huge budget gap next year. From the ACLU Education Advocate: “Funding cliff looming. The Governor’s budget continues a heavy reliance on federal “stimulus”/ARRA funding. Education aid to local school systems is now supported by over $400 million in federal funds which will not continue after this budget. Education advocates and school systems will need to be vigilant next year to maintain education funding and avoid the “cliff” that will be created when the federal ARRA funds cease.”
We need to send a message to our state representatives that education funding is a priority in Baltimore City this year, next year, and every year.
What will it mean if we don’t get the additional $30 million from the state?
“If City Schools does not receive the $30 m. additional as proposed, I estimated that a school like Waverly with about 650 students would lose $250,000. That’s IF the cut were passed to schools rather than cutting North Ave, or some combination thereof….The $4700 for each FARMs student goes to the general fund at North Ave and raises the overall per pupil amount throughout the system. It is not for food; it is a proxy for poverty of the student & his/her needs for additional services. In addition the # of students in FARMs determines how much Federal Title I money the school gets. High Schools are the only ones, that get an additional per pupil amount from City Schools for the # of FARMs students signed up (because they don’t get Title I). This can get very complicated, as you see. So, it’s important to tell parents- any cuts in state funding will affect our school, and 2) it’s important to participate in signing up children for FARMs.” — Bebe Verdery, Director of ACLU of Maryland’s Education Reform Project
What is the Baltimore City Schools official message to Annapolis?
· We are leading the state in school reform efforts which helped MD lead the nation as the #1 state in the Education Week rankings.
· Dr. Alonso’s commitment to high standards, accountability and more school-based resources are making a difference for our students.
· Parent and community engagement, along with non-profit partnerships, are a key element to City Schools students’ success.
· We are closing failing programs and replacing them with rigorous academic programs that provide more opportunities for student achievement.
· There is a larger menu of options for parents to choose from – charters, transformation schools (grades 6 – 12), alternative programs, and traditional schools.
· Our school construction/renovation request was approximately $85M and we have been awarded only $19M after 75% of the money has been distributed. We have the oldest school buildings of any district in the state – we need the rest of our funds so we may renovate schools and provide the proper educational environments for our students.
What about the budget process at North Avenue for Baltimore City?
The Baltimore City school board has scheduled four Public Board Budget Forums and Work sessions (the last of which is the Second Public Board Budget Work Session – Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 6:00 PM) specifically for the Baltimore City School System. The Forums are intended to provide parents and other community members the opportunity to speak and provide their input. The Work Sessions are where the Board actually deliberates and begins making decisions. Parents and community members are welcome to attend the work session, but there is no opportunity for them to speak.
At this point, it might be best to share your thoughts on priorities for the BCPSS budget with Bob Heck, RPEMS parent and member of Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. robertheck@earthlink.net
What about the budget process at RPEMS?
Stay tuned for more information.
How do I learn more?
Interesting articles and editorials about school reform:
Pressing for changes to charter school law. Advocates argue changes could qualify state for millions in federal funds.http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.charterschools07feb07,0,1891756.story
School reform can’t wait. Our view: An Obama administration plan to fix the No Child Left Behind law may benefit Baltimore City schools but not necessarily those in surrounding counties. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-ed.schools02feb02,0,975333.story
Funding reform. Our view: Regardless of whether the state applies for federal education funds, Baltimore schools are already embarked on the city’s own race to the top. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.schools27jan27,0,5016693.story
Charter schools dominate discussion at Baltimore City School Board meeting.http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/education/blog/2010/01/charter_schools_dominate_discu.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+news_education_blog+%28InsideEd%29
Warning signs. Our view: Education Week’s ranking of Maryland as No. 1 in education for a second year in a row masks inequities and inadequacies that call out for reforms. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.education0118,0,3787646.story
What else can I do?
1. Write a letter to your elected representatives. To identify your Senator and Delegates, clickhttp://mdelect.net/electedofficials/ for a website where you can enter your address to find out legislative district, your representatives, and how to contact them. Here is a sample letter in .doc format. Here is the delegate address list in .doc format.
2. Sign up to join BEC in a lobbying meeting in Annapolis: Constituent volunteers are needed from each legislative district in the city attend the City Delegation meetings that take place every Friday in Annapolis during the legislative session. The intent is to send a strong message to the Senators and Delegates who represent Baltimore City that we as a community are watching closely what happens in terms of education funding, and we will not allow difficult budget cuts to be made at the expense of the children in this city.