MUSIC NOTES: Budget Update

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Budget Update

Please read the following message from the Folsom High PTSA President, Donna Thompson, regarding a Budget Update:

The school district has reached a tentative agreement with the Folsom Cordova Education Association (FCEA), the union that represents the teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, and other certificated support staff that serve our students. If approved, this agreement has saved the middle school electives. We will know the results of the vote on May 25.

However, this agreement will not solve the cuts made to Folsom High. As of now, six teachers and two counselors have been given their pink slips. This means that we will have many classes without teachers, no Activities Director, no Athletic Director and only two counselors to serve approximately 1,900 students. What that means is we won’t have someone in charge of dances, student government, yearbook, or to organize our prominent FHS sports. Furthermore, it will be difficult for two counselors to track each student’s requirements for college – not to mention, helping with all the other daily student needs. What that means is our students won’t have the same services and opportunities as in the past. This is a BIG deal!

What you can do:
1. Check out the list of potential budget solutions and reductions (in the link below).
2. Think about other options and make suggestions to the board and district.
3. Remember SupportCAkids. They’re a good source of information in helping us get to the root of the problem…our legislature. Our state has cut funding for education for many years now. Tell them to STOP! Go to www.supportcakids.com and contact your elected officials.
4. When all is said and done and we’re back to school in August, please remember to support your school. The staff will have to work with the hand they’ve been dealt. Please be patient as they will do the best they can for your student.

To read the Superintendents full message and budget solutions and reductions, go to: www.fcusd.org/Budget

Please voice your concerns and opinions. Our district and the unions need to come together with a workable solution.

Alumni Corner

Kelsey Iverson is a 2006 Folsom High music graduate who played trombone in Jazz Band I and sang with the Jazz Choir. Kelsey went on to play the trombone with the Sacramento State University Jazz Band A, the Sac State Orchestra, and several chamber groups. She graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Trombone Performance.

Kelsey is currently spending 3 months living in Prague and traveling throughout Europe. Kelsey said, "I am reminded of the Folsom Jazz Eurotrips in 2002 and 2006 almost every day here!" When she returns to the U.S., she plans to attend grad school, possibly at CU Boulder in Colorado. But that decision won't be made until she hears back from all of her applications. We wish you much good luck, Kelsey, from your Folsom High music supporters!

If you are in contact with former music students or are the parent of an alumnus, please submit an update to publicity@folsommusic.org and we'll post the news here. Photos are welcome too!