Here is the latest update since our last communication to you on June 17, 2010.
In our last letter to you we outlined PAT’s communication with Carole Smith (see below the letter dated June 17, 2010). Despite our many efforts to urge the Superintendent to use the School District reserves and to use attrition in a reasonable manner to solve the budget issue, the District announced a plan to eliminate all P.E. in K-8 and Middle schools. This was met with a large cry of outrage throughout Portland.
The Portland Association of Teachers met with P.E. teachers and assisted them in their a presentation to the School Board on June 29th. In the face of nearly 3 hours of testimony of reasons and rationale from PAT members, PPS parents, the business community, health officials and community members warning against these ill advised cuts, the Board listened but made no decision. The Board’s Chair stated budget decisions would be made July 19, 2010.
On July 2, 2010, Superintendent Carole Smith again asked to speak with PAT regarding budget implications. We again strongly stated to the District the need to use reserves and to use attrition reasonably. There is no need to eliminate programs. Here is what we know:
