Arlington Advocacy Group now forming.
First meeting will be Friday, February 3rd at 9am--Daily Planet
If you are interested, please attend the meeting or if you cannot attend but
want to be involved, have any ideas or thoughts, please email Doreen Sheridan
at AHS PTSA.
See message below from the recent PTA Council Meeting:
Arlington, and the entire New YorkState education system, is in a very
tenuous place. The business of politics has entered the business of
education, and in a BIG way. Not only must New York State school districts
(ours included!) abide by the politically motivated new "tax cap," which
places arbitrary limits on revenue through tax levy, districts must also meet
(again, politically motivated) standards in order to receive various
federally-issued funds ("Race to the Top" monies). All this is creating
QUITE the challenge for the Superintendent and the Board of Ed to change
policy and develop an acceptable budget. Never before has the task of
meeting financial requirements while maintaining the academic standard and
the "Arlingtonculture" that we value, been so difficult.
I suggest a "call to action". As we discussed, an "Arlington Advocacy
Group"
could work at three levels. First, we could mobilize a campaign to voice our
concerns to Gov. Cuomo, Senator Saland, Rep. Miller, and other government
officials. This could include petitions (both letters and e-mails) and
lobbying, and any other worthwhile efforts. Grass-roots campaigns DO have
the potential to make a difference.
Second, this "Arlington Advocacy Group" could work closely with our
Superintendent and Board of Education as they hammer out the upcoming budget,
and the future vision ofArlingtonschools. Sure, THEY make the budget and
decide on the cuts, but the Number One mission of PTA is to ADVOCATE for the
children. Let's US be a part of the process. Our Superintendent and Board
sincerely strive to be "transparent." Let's ask the difficult questions.
Let's express our concerns. Let's express our priorities. Let's offer our
ideas.
Finally, we spoke of ways this arm of the PTSA Council could educate and
inform. With so much happening at the state level, and the implications here
atArlington, the BEST chance for the BEST possible outcome is through the
education of our community. "Going viral" with the facts! But what's the best
way to achieve this?
Arlington PTA is large. We have the potential to make a difference. All we
need to do is to organize.
Barb Adams, Arlington PTA Council President
Below is information about Arlington’s February community budget forum:
Arlington Central School District
Community Budget Forum
Thursday, February 9 at 7:00pm
Interim Superintendent of Schools Larry Licopoli will hold a second
community budget forum on Thursday, February 9 at 7:00pm. The snow date will
be Wednesday, February 15. The meeting will be held at the central
administrative office at 144 Todd Hill Road, LaGrangeville.
During this “town hall” style budget forum, Dr. Licopoli will
· Update the community on the tax levy limit projections and
anticipated state aid
· Explain how the District is planning to meet this challenge
· Discuss the need for long-term planning
· Explore the community’s educational priorities and values
Superintendent Licopoli will hold a third community budget forum on
Thursday, March 15.For further information, visit the District’s budget page
at www.arlingtonschools.org. Community members can also send questions or
suggestions to keycommunicator@acsdny.org.
THE AHS PTSA IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS TO RUN THE FOOD TABLE AT THE ARLINGTON
ART FAIR ON 3/24 AT LAGRANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Come support Arlington Admirals as they present "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
April 13-15th at AHS Auditorium.
Our next PTSA meeting is Wed, 2/15 at 7pm in room 2326 at AHS. Hope to see
you then.
Thank You,
Doreen Sheridan, AHS PTSA President