Have your say in regard to state budget cuts
December 31, 2008
By Administrator
Editorial:
We’ve gotten a glimpse of what the state’s newest budget cuts could be and it appears the future could be rocky for the Snoqualmie Valley School District, as well as North Bend’s non-profit Encompass.
If that doesn’t sit well with you, there’s a meeting that has been scheduled that you should attend. The district’s Parent Teacher Student Association has scheduled a legislative roundtable where senators and representatives of both the 5th and 45th districts will be assembled. Those elected officials include Senators Cheryl Pflug and Eric Oemig, and Representatives Jay Rodne, Glenn Anderson, Roger Goodman and Larry Springer.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 9 at the Snoqualmie Valley School district offices. This is your chance to not only have your say face-to-face, but also to get your questions answered in regard to possible budget cuts that could have drastic impacts on the Valley.
The biggest concern for the school district is the possible slashing of Initiative 728, a voter-approved fund that reduces class sizes by providing development for staff and salaries for 30 SVSD teachers. Cuts of this program could turn into a $600,000 loss for the district, likely overcome with teacher layoffs and up to four more students per classroom.
Also of concern at the schools is the possible trimming of Initiative 732, which funds cost-of-living adjustments for teachers.
Encompass is facing the elimination of its Early Childhood Education Program, which provides assistance to low-income children living with developmental disabilities. Without the funding, Encompass would be forced to rely on more private fundraising.
At some point, cuts to the state budget are going to have to be made — and those cuts will be painful. We have no doubt that our elected representatives would appreciate citizen input into where the program cuts should be made.
At the same time, citizens deserve to know the priorities of their representatives. Learn all you can about the budget choices they will be making.
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