MTAA will be serving as a gathering place for all the Matawan Arts programs to work together to make sure that they are not unfairly targeted during this great budget crisis. We are stronger together.
The Matawan/Aberdeen School District is currently facing the largest budget crisis in memory. One million dollars in state aid was lost for this year, forcing immediate and painful cutbacks. And there will likely be cuts of another six million dollars from next year’s budget. The arts program is in a position to be particularly hard hit as the district searches for ways to make up these losses. No one within the arts believes we should be exempt from cuts, merely that we should only have to shoulder a fair share of the burden.
The Plan
Let us begin by assuring you that “There is a plan.” We might not reveal it all at once, but it is there. Please trust and join us in this process. We look forward to working with you!
Actions
#1: Monday’s Board Meeting
Attend the Board of Education meeting with us on Monday February 22, 2010. It will begin at 8pm in the High School cafeteria. A few members have been prepped to speak should it be necessary, but for most of us, this will primarily be a chance to listen to what the BoE has planned for dealing with the budget cuts. Nothing has been decided yet and we do not want to become aggressors and force something to happen. Parents are especially encouraged to attend. Look for our members once you arrive & come sit with us!
#2: Letter Writing
MTAA is prepping a letter writing campaign to not only the local officials, but the state ones as well. We will be collecting all the letters, recording each, and sending them out to maximize the impact they will have. Parents & students are encouraged to each write their own letters.
Tips for Writing to Officials
Facts to include in your letter