January 7, 2010

Dear Parents:

As we begin the second semester, we also begin the challenging task of developing next year’s school budget.  This task is complicated this year by difficulties currently impacting Colorado.   Colorado’s legislative economists have recently projected a 1.3 billion dollar revenue shortfall for the state in 2010.   The impact will be felt by all Colorado School Districts.   You may have already seen the press coverage of several districts that will be closing schools next year.

Our school district has received notice from the Colorado Department of Education indicating that the state shortfall translates into a revenue reduction of at least $606,000 for next year.  Since this is only an estimate, this figure could be further elevated.   Such a large loss of funding will have a significant impact on services, programs and staff.  The Board of Education and administration are proud of our school system and will strive to reduce the budget in a proactive manner that results in the least harm to our student’s educational opportunities, programs, services and support.   The purpose of this letter is to request your assistance in this process.

School-Community meetings have been scheduled in January for the Board and administration to collect thoughtful suggestions and considerations from our valued parents and community members regarding community preferences regarding these significant reductions to the budget. We are hopeful that you will be able to participate in one of the scheduled meetings:

Monday, January 25, 2010, 6:00 p.m. @ Deer Creek Elementary School

Saturday, January 30, 2010, 9:00 a.m. @ District Complex, Board Room (Old PCHS building)

If neither of these times is convenient but you would like to submit a suggestion, please send it to Ms. Jan Howard, Executive Secretary to the Board of Education, Platte Canyon School District, 57393 U.S. Highway 285, Bailey, Colorado 80421 or by e-mail to jhoward@plattecanyonsd1.org. Your input and suggestions will enable us to analyze options and prepare impact statements so that prioritized reductions may be initiated. Further public forums may then be scheduled to gain input on the prioritized lists of potential actions.

Please note that the first (Preliminary) Budget will be formally presented, in a public meeting, to the Board of Education by the administration in April. A Public hearing on a Proposed Budget will be held on May 17th and adoption of the new budget is required in June. Thank you in advance for your careful consideration of these important matters and for your participation in this challenging task.

Sincerely,