MCCPTA Operating Budget Hearing

The Montgomery County Council of PTAs will hold a forum to discuss the proposed fiscal 2012 operating budget for Montgomery County Public Schools.

County Council members, school board members and MCPS staff are expected to attend.

Elected officials will make brief opening remarks and field questions from MCCPTA board members and delegates.

"In a year where MCPS is facing increasing enrollment and decreased federal funding, while the County Council is facing a $300 million deficit, there are very important issues at stake for our schools," MCCPTA President Kristin Trible said in a statement. "As budget hearings are about to begin, MCCPTA is committed to advocating on behalf of over 50,000 parents, teachers and community members in support of funding for our priorities."

MCCPTA priorities, enumerated in a news release, include:

• No reductions in maintenance, building service, or security staff to maintain safe, secure, and healthful schools.
• Judicious curriculum rollout; no new curriculum without adequate staff development, materials, and technology.
• No further increase in class sizes.
• Full implementation of hours-based staffing for special education students.
• Continued support for after school activities.
• No reductions in academic intervention, focus, reading, ESOL, or special program teachers.