Liveblogging PTA meeting

At the PTA meeting, Ruth Adkins attended to talk about the various issues facing PPS. After the jump, there's more about what was discussed at the meeting. One good thing: Apparently the portable is definitely "in" for Rieke as well as several other schools in the district.

She is going to address the budget; stimulus, capital plan, and talk about various action items. Rick H. asked Q's re splitting funding between high schools and elementary schools. Sup't Smith is going to report on staffing formula proposals between the various schools. They're not at that point yet.

Big issue is cuts in state budget. Risk is that it may be as much as $20M for this year; next year is going to be at least as bad, even if it goes well. State probably won't make decisions until June, so PPS may be in a situation where they have to have a "budget A" and "budget B," with the latter a worst-case scenario. Risk is $25-35 million next year. Supt. Smith said that they "cannot protect the classroom," so there will be a combination of layoffs, program cuts, and more days off. See her presentation here.

At the federal level, the Senate pulled out education funds; to get the money back,
it would be great for people to call their representatives in Congress. At this point, the House is the best hope -- Rep. David Wu is 202-225-0855.

Once we get to the point of making PPS-specific budget decisions (which will be much easier with federal money, if it comes through), there is a "listening session" on 2/26 at Wilson, 7:00pm. Come and share views, and learn more about the budget (the state will have updated budgets by that point).

Part of the discussion regarding budget cuts will obviously require labor involvement; for more on that topic, see this page. On school year length, we do need an exception / waiver from state to go shorter, but Oregon is already short and we really need to try and avoid that -- but it might not be possible.

On facilities: Last night, PPS established a capital fund for the first time in a long time. Capital money is separate from general operations fund. They will borrow against cash on hand at the moment, and raise some for basic needs; $25M will fix roofs, get some portables including one here at Rieke (see p. 11 in the Board book from the 2/9 meeting here); prepare planning for bond funds -- "momentum work." There's still a lot of urgent work.

PPS has $87M in "shovel ready" projects that could be implemented within 18 months; that's out of $270M.

In terms of budget crisis, closure of schools is not on the table. Esp. at K-8 level -- if anything, we're overcrowded. On school size issue, it's a little moot because the newer buildings will look very different than "a school of size x." Very flexible space. Mixed use, etc., will help with flexibility. Conventional wisdom is still 400-500, but Ruth says she tries to remind the staff that we're not a cookie cutter district. Sup't Smith is from an alternative education background, which helps a little bit.

Nominating committee (Cathy, Cindy) report: "We need to fill an awful lot of spots." Need to fill all but Treasurer (Dick has indicated a willingness to stick around).

Rieke run -- Charlene wants to do "Run for Technology." Wants new computers. Maintain some art in the school. Something more low-key. Still keep art in school , but not as big. April 29th / Rain Date May 6. Principal Russell indicated that they don't have a particular plan for which computers to use, other than one supported by the district, and other than a general need for laptops (or something else that's consistent with the electrical system in the lab). After the run, there may be a further meeting to discuss this issue.

Principal Russell indicated that we should have staffing from the district assigned in the first weeks of March. That's when we will need to make further decisions regarding tradeoffs. At K roundup, we have 57 Rieke addresses, or siblings of current students. That number will increase (might lose 5, gain 20, based on history). Should be 3 full day.

Cindy Duley -- not enough interest for a spring play here; but Capitol Hill and Bridlemile will take people.

Lisa Nelson -- will create a "service club" here at Rieke. Idea is parents, kids and siblings will come one day a month; first project -- March 2 -- will be to help create cards to take along for Meals on Wheels. Will announce in Rapper. We will also help do a food drive for Neighborhood House following on the March 2 meeting. Some funding / supplies will come from various community groups that already do this work. Assistance, perhaps, with dropoff of cans in the morning might be useful. Principal Russell pointed out that there is a project "Second Wind" that's done a food drive in the past, and Sturges plans to do it again this year.

12th Preschool Story Hour
26th Listening Session
26th Science Fair 6:30-8:00
26th Listening Session on Budget at Wilson 7:00.
March 10 next PTA meeting