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We show respect. We make good choices. We solve our problems. It's what Wildcats do!
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Hello Whittier Community,
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As you may have seen, Seattle Public
Schools (SPS) recently provided information to families regarding a predicted budget
deficit for the district in the 2017-18 school year. In addition, the
Seattle
Council PTSA (SCPTSA) has contacted local PTA boards regarding advocacy efforts
they are organizing around this issue. The Whittier PTA Board has begun
internal conversations
in response to information from SPS and SCPTSA. We want
to be thoughtful and purposeful in evaluating opportunities for advocacy and
how we can best prepare at Whittier for such
deficits.
The PTA Budget Committee will begin
drafting the PTA's 2017-18 school year budget in early January. As always, this
will involve working closely with Principal Schweitzer and the Building
Leadership Team (BLT) to maximize resources in support of Whittier students and
staff, and a survey to Whittier parents asking for input on priorities. The
district is already in communication
with school principals to provide budget
guidance for next year, incorporating the potential deficit. This guidance will
help Principal Schweitzer and the BLT identify any critical service gaps,
and
ultimately where the PTA could potentially provide support (i.e., to the extent
permitted by Whittier PTA Standing Rules and fundraising efforts).
The Whittier PTA Board is committed to
keeping you informed of efforts on behalf of our Wildcats. If you have any
questions, concerns or comments, please send an email to
[email protected].
In addition, we are seeking volunteers to serve on the Budget Committee. If you
are interested in participating, please contact Tony Toppenberg (PTA
Treasurer)
and Andrew Liese (PTA Assistant Treasurer) at [email protected].
If you would like to learn more about
the district's position and plans with regard to the 2017-18 budget, or would
like to engage with other local advocacy groups, here are several resources
and
opportunities:
- SPS Community Budget Gap Meetings (hosted by SCPTSA)
- Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30-8:00pm, Ballard High School (1418 NW 65th St)
- Thursday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8:00pm, South Shore PreK-8 School (4800 S Henderson St)
- Tuesday, Jan. 3, 6:30-8:00pm, Franklin High School (3013 S Mt Baker Blvd)
- Washington's Paramount Duty
- League of Education Voters Webinar: What to Expect in the 2017 Legislative Session
- Washington State PTA 2017 Focus Day
Separately, if you were unable to attend
the PTA Community Meeting in November, please see below for
an update on PTA spending through November, and view the meeting
presentation
here
.
Thank you for your tremendous support of
our Wildcats, and for helping to make Whittier a warm and welcoming community
for all.
Regards,
Whittier PTA Co-Presidents
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PTA Budget Update: July 2016 - November 2016
Income
(as budgeted)
- Annual Give
- Fall Carnival
- Shop for Whittier (Ballard Market Receipts, Scrip, etc.)
- Spirit Gear
- Chinook Books
Expenses
(as budgeted)
- RULER Family Night
- Family Movie Night
- Hospitality
- Outreach (Wildcat Welcome)
- Staff Discretionary Funds
- Staffing Grants (toward Librarian, Literacy Specialist, Nurse and Instrumental Music positions)
- PTA Administration
Putting
Your Money to Work: Funding Proposals & Miscellaneous Expenses
- Funding for new lunch carts w/wheels for classes that did not have them
- Funding for supplies in Room 206
- "To go" paper bags for hot lunch leftovers
- Upgrades to stage/lunchroom sound system*
- Purchase of additional F&P Benchmark Assessment Systems (reading assessment kits)*
- Playground updates - blacktop painting, picnic tables, repairs, etc.*
*
The PTA Board evaluated its finances and identified $25,000 for
additional near-term spending. These projects were identified by the Building
Leadership Team, evaluated by a PTA
Board Sub-Committee with a focus on impact
and equity, and overwhelmingly approved by the PTA's general membership at the
November 16, 2016 Community Meeting.
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