Tacoma Public Schools has set a March 19 public meeting to poll citizens on what district programs and services they believe are most important as the district wrestles with future budget deficits in K-12 education.
This meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at approximately 7:30 p.m., at the Wilson High School auditorium, 1202 N. Orchard St.
At this meeting, community members will have the opportunity to participate in a polling process using a handheld voting device. The district created this tool to find out what you value most from the wide range of programs and services the district provides, including:
- Central Administration Building
- Teaching Support
- Teaching Activities
- Support Services
The data gathered at this polling meeting will help the district understand what programs and services provided by the district are most important to the broader community.
Tacoma Public Schools faces a potential estimated $12 million budget deficit over the next four to five years depending on state funding.
The state’s estimated $1 billion shortfall in the current biennium – due in large part to the economic recession that has plagued the country – has caused legislators to consider dramatic cuts to a wide range of programs, including K-12 education.
Ultimately, district leaders and the Board of Directors will make the final decisions on how to deal with the district’s budget deficits, including which programs and services to reduce or eliminate and which revenues to increase, if any. District decisions will remain true to the mission and strategic goals.
Mission:
“In partnership with parents and community, we will provide a comprehensive educational experience that is rigorous, individualized and enables students to contribute to a changing and diverse world.”
Strategic Goals:
- ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – All students will perform at or above grade level, and we will eliminate disparities among all groups of students.
- PARTNERSHIPS – We will fully engage our parents, community and staff in the education of our children.
- EARLY LEARNING – We will focus on early assessment and intervention at the Pre-K through third grade levels to ensure early academic success.
- SAFETY – All schools will create and maintain safe learning environments that promote excellent academic achievement.
For more information on the budget deficit, go to the district’s Web site at
www.tacomaschools.org and click on the “District Budget Outlook” link.
On that Web site, you also will find documents, a budget explanation video, background materials, newspaper coverage, links and other materials explaining the proposals to deal with the budget crisis at the state and local levels. In the right-hand column of this special Web site, the district has provided a link where you can e-mail your comments to the superintendent and school board members.