[Mjhsteam] Not enough info given by Superintendent for meaningful parent response

[Humes, Karen]

Lisa and all,

I do not usually do a reply all on such a large list, but perhaps others will want to join me in this response to the MSD Superintendent's "request for input" on the looming budget cuts.
 
Please put down my response this way:
There is not enough information on the form provided by the Superintendent for a parent to give thoughtful and meaningful input to this process.  
 
We all make financial decisions about reducing our spending based on the impacts of the cuts relative to the potential savings involved.  The form sent out gives neither of these for any of the 8 options.   For example, parents do not know what type of services are provided in the overtime accrued by district staff, what the potential savings would be from cutting it, or what the impacts are of not providing whatever services are provided via overtime.  The same could be said of the other 7 options.   
 
If the Superintendent is serious about wanting parent feedback (this form suggests she is not) - more info will have to be provided on relative cost savings vs. impacts for the eight options.
 
To you Lisa -THANK YOU for taking the time to collate these responses.  I know from experience that it is rather thankless to spend volunteer time on something that is not well-conceived by the professional administrator in charge - especially when that administrator is paid in excess of $100K/yr.  
 
For the sake of both our kids and our many terrific MSD teachers and staff, I hope parents will hold the district adminstration to a higher standard than is being demonstrated here.
 
Karen Humes

________________________________

From: mjhsteam-bounces at lists.fsr.com on behalf of Bob and Lisa Morris
Sent: Fri 3/27/2009 2:36 PM
To: Moscow Junior High School
Subject: [Mjhsteam] request for input from the superintendent
  

Dear MJHS parents,
 
Candis Donicht, our superintendent, is requesting input from parents concerning how best to make to upcoming budget reductions.  I've attached a form that she has sent to solicit your input.  Please fill out the form electronically and return it to me by Friday April 3.  I'll disassociate the information from your email.
 
Thanks for your response,
Lisa Morris
MJHS parent group
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