FY2025 Budget Cuts Affect HES
HCPSS recently released the proposed budget for next school year. There are many cuts, including the planned elimination of the third grade strings program, reduction of GT seminars, reduction of CEUs for second grade, and an increase in class size (per pages 21, 231-232 of the proposed budget*).
What You Can Do
If you want to speak out against this, you can send an email and/or testify at the next budget hearing meeting.
To testify at the next budget hearing:
- Sign up deadline is February 14 at 4:30pm
- The meeting is on February 15 from 7-9pm
- Use this link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTRR-UbvZVyysMFB0AXSgWyYJf8jXy6OAcg1m1NfPOLVCINg/viewform
To email the relevant individuals:
- Please include the following people (email addresses in cut & paste format below): Calvin Ball (Howard County Executive), members of Howard County Council, members of the Howard County Board of Education, and Bill Barnes (Acting Superintendent)
- cball@howardcountymd.gov, boe@hcpss.org, councilmail@howardcountymd.gov, bill_barnes@hcpss.org
- An email template to advocate for third grade strings is provided below, courtesy of Howard County Parents for School Music
*Link to proposed FY2025 budget: https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/budget/fy25/fy25-proposed-superintendent-operating-budget.pdf
Email template for 3rd grade strings:
Send to: cball@howardcountymd.gov,boe@hcpss.org, councilmail@howardcountymd.gov, bill_barnes@hcpss.org
Subject: Urgent Appeal for HCPSS funding
Dear Dr. Ball, members of the Howard County Council, members of the Howard County Board of Education, and
Acting-Superintendent Barnes,
I hope this letter finds you well. As a proud parent of a music-loving student, I am writing to express my sincere concern regarding the potential program and staffing cuts in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS).
It is shocking to see the report in the Baltimore Sun regarding so many cuts to positions in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). Students and teachers have already endured increased class sizes over the last few years. This news is devastating to our entire county. We urge all of our elected officials to work together with HCPSS to help during this crisis and continue to solve the funding issues that seem to plague the system every year.
I also want to email to remind our elected officials that music education, in all of its forms, plays a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals, fostering creativity, discipline, and teamwork. My child’s involvement in music in Howard County schools has not only enriched their academic experience but has also contributed to their overall personal development.
Research consistently highlights the positive impact of music education on academic performance. Students engaged in music often show improved cognitive skills, better concentration, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. These benefits extend beyond the music room and positively influence their academic achievements.
Furthermore, our Gold Standard music programs contribute to building a sense of community within our schools. The collaborative nature of musical ensembles teaches students the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These qualities are essential not only in their academic journey but also in their future careers.
I understand the budgetary challenges that HCPSS faces, but I urge you to consider the invaluable contribution that music programs make to our students’ lives. By investing more in HCPSS overall as a county, we are investing in the future leaders, artists, and innovators of our community.
I kindly request that you work together to solve any proposed cuts to music funding and continue to support all programs that are considered well-managed and essential in our county.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
