Bergel Newsletter Jan 24, 2012

24 January 2012
Greetings!
This meeting appears to be running late, but I wanted to make sure I got a mailing out to remind you of a few things:
• We will be in Richmond this next week. We approved our Legislative Agenda recently and will be speaking to our local reps who are currently in session.
• We went through a couple agenda items tonight that addressed sports for home school students as well as tax credits. The board is asking for comment on sports until the next meeting. I did not support the sports legislation because it is imposing changes to VHSL. Because VHSL governs sports, debate, theater, and more, I am concerned about what would happen to our programs that are currently in place if VHSL is removed from its role.
• The budget discussions continue – please continue to comment. There has been much support for the proposed budget. The problem lies in that a $30 million plus possible revenue crunch was placed before the School Board before the discussion even began – our local governing body removed the opportunity for a +5% budget discussion to take place for our entire county budget. I am concerned as your representative, but I am also concerned as a citizen about what direction our county may take in what it offers its citizens. On the schools’ side, it appears that popular program enhancements like Full-Day Kindergarten are not even possibilities. Furthermore, removing AP and sports fees are unlikely in this budget scenario. In some parts of the district, middle and high school students are on the bus together, and an opportunity to try to split those bus routes would be unlikely. Thanks for your input so far! I appreciate the time you take to give me feedback on what is in front of the board.
• Budget information, including questions that have been asked, are on the LCPS website. You can go to the site here and then go to the Budget link on the front page.
• Please visit your schools and see what is taking place in them! With the winter season, it is a good time to go indoors for games and events! Please visit my Jennifer Keller Bergel – School Board page in order to link events at your school in the district. This Friday night I know Lovettsville Elementary has its annual Chili Cookoff and Bingo night for the community.
• My new counterpart for the Catoctin District is Geary Higgins. I will miss serving alongside Sally Kurtz, but I can assure you, Geary too is looking forward to representing our district well. He too will be sending out newsletters during this new term.

Best to you all in this New Year! I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,
Jennifer