Dear Neighbor,
I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to share something with you.
I am really worried about the proposed budget cuts for Fairfax schools
next year. I have a child at Terraset Elementary School and to date,
have been very happy with the well rounded education on offer, and am
proud of the reputation Fairfax County schools has as one of the best
in the country.
I’m not sure if you are aware of the many programs and positions
that are slated for elimination next year (and may never return).
Here is a summary of the proposed FCPS budget for your review. But the bottom-line, is that the quality of Fairfax County’s education will be diminished.
Indeed, our school system has been one of the big attractions for
people deciding to move or stay in Fairfax County, and is a factor when
businesses decide to move here. These have a direct effect on the value
of our properties. If our school system deteriorates, it is reasonable
to assume that our properties could continue to lose their value.
My concern is that less than 30% of Fairfax County property tax payers
have children in FCPS schools, so they may not even be aware of this
problem. Further, county politicians may be fearful of finding the
funding to maintain our schools because the most obvious way to create
this funding is to increase our property taxes. Politicians would see
this action as a vote “loser.” However, I see it as a vote
winner. We must maintain the quality of our schools if we want to
maintain the quality of Fairfax County.
Please help me let the powers that be know that our schools are
important! Before February 1st, could you email or write to
Superintendant Jack Dale and Superviosr Sharon Bulova and let them know
you value the quality of our schools – even though you may not
currently have a direct relationship with them? Here is a draft email to make this easy for you and below are some links with background information and contact details.
Thank you for your help. The more people who voice their concern, the
better the chance we will get the funding needed to maintain our
excellent school system and all the perks that go with its reputation!
See the
following sites for more details and commentary: