The "More" Child", And so it begins; Proposed Cuts to Hit GT Hard

And so it begins: Proposed Cuts to Hit GT Hard

December 12, 2009 by SwitchedOnMom

I don’t have to tell you how I feel about the proposed elimination of transportation for “special” programs. These cuts potentially spell the death knell for the middle school magnets, elementary Center Programs but especially for the countywide IB magnet at Richard Montgomery High School. This program, which over the years has achieved national and international recognition (99% pass rate on IB exams; highest in the U.S.), draws the most talented students from across the entire county. Take away the transportation and many, many top students simply will not be able to attend, eroding the program.

Of course Superintendent Jerry Weast is going to target GT programs for cuts, even when obvious cuts that wouldn't impact classrooms are staring him in the face.  He knows that GT parents are actively involved in their student's education and will protest to the County Council on his behalf. 

All Superintendent Weast really wants is more money to play with, he doesn't care how he gets it. GT parents are easy targets in this annual game. And to date, Superintendent Weast has always gotten an increase in the MCPS Operating Budget. Most parents do not realize that the MCPS Operating Budget has been increasing every year because they are constantly told of budget "cuts" at their local school. Where does the increase in the Operating Budget go every year?

We know where Operating Budget money went yesterday, it went to a catered breakfast and lunch, two consultants, and a book for each Board member (book $200 value - other costs unknown). Does that sound like a school system that is operating on a "bare bones" budget?