January 4, 2018
Dear Parents and Students,
Last night, FALA’s Board of Directors held a special meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to look critically at our current finances as we move into the second half of the 2017-2018 school year. Because current student enrollment (which determines our funding) is lower than projected for this year, the Board felt that it was important to gather information to ensure that we move forward carefully and thoughtfully.
In response to these concerns, the Board asked our Executive Director, Larry Wallen, to present us with every potential avenue to reduce spending through the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Our goal is to explore each and every possible cost-cutting measure and the implications each would have to the Academy. Because of the potential impact of the different ideas being considered, Mr. Wallen proactively shared this information with teachers in a meeting on Monday afternoon.
Though many possible options to protect our financial outlook are being considered, we want to assure you that, at this time, no decisions have been made. We want to act conservatively to ensure that any disruption to student learning is minimized. Our first goal is to find ways to increase revenue, rather than making cuts.
It is unfortunate, though, that the intent to be transparent about our commitment to finding creative solutions that benefit both the short- and long-term stability of the school led to rumors that FALA is closing its doors or cutting programming. These rumors are simply not true, and, regrettably, our students have been most hurt by them.
Today, we met with students to arm them with correct information about where we are in this process and to help alleviate their misdirected fears. Students were also encouraged to share any questions and/or concerns with either Mr. Wallen or Dean Crawley.
If you, as a FALA parent, have any additional concerns or questions, you may also contact Mr. Wallen or Dean Crawley.
Respectfully,
Larry E. Wallen Dr. Laura Umphrey
Executive Director Board President
