February 15th, 2019
Dear STrEaM friends and
families,
Most of you are aware of Governor Dunleavy's proposed budget for FY20, which includes a $330M
(25%) cut to public education funding.
I shared with our
staff and APC (board) that the proposed FY20 budget would reduce funding for
ASA by over $370,000. We take great pride in budgeting our money very carefully
to meet our mission and vision. A cut in funding of this magnitude would drastically
reduce our services and programs, and a decimate chances of building our own facility.
The proposed budget would
reduce our funding by almost 25%. Total for salaries and benefits, and our
facility lease with Wayland Baptist, adds up to $1.6M while our projected
funding would be just under $1.5M. Our program would be scaled back in
every area, class sizes increased, TREKs reduced, and vacant positions
unfilled. While we have carefully reserved funds in hopes of financing a future
STrEaM facility, this cut would likely cause us to use that reserve and set us
back, perhaps permanently, in our quest for our own building. Funding from the
State does not currently include charter school facilities at all.
Although this is very
serious, I also believe in being positive and doing the best we can with what
we have. Whatever the funding we are provided, ASA will continue to serve kids
and meet our mission and vision to the best of our abilities. We will be
positive and proactive in our approach and how we respond to this. It is
important to note this is just the beginning, a first step in the budget
process.
Passing a budget is a long
and involved process. It will go through subcommittees, then finance committees.
The House passes a budget then sends it on to the Senate. Once both House and
Senate agree on and approve a budget, it is sent to the Governor to review and
sign, including line item veto power.
My goal is to provide
information, allowing everyone to make their own decisions and form their own
opinions. Whatever your beliefs or stance, our political process allows you to
influence those you elect. Let your voice be heard on this matter. You can find contact information for your legislator here: http://akleg.gov/docs/pdf/session_phone_list.pdf
Thank you,
Principal Mokelke
