February 2018 Newsletter
The second semester for our students began this week. At this mid-point in the year, students are enthusiastic, engaged and always wishing for the next snow day! Throughout my newsletter, you can read about the many wonderful ways you as a parent, guardian or community member can come in “out-of-the-cold” and be involved in our schools. Whether you take the time to volunteer in the classroom, share your thoughts at a public hearing, or come to see our talented students in an artistic or sporting event, know that your support is welcomed and appreciated! I hope to see you soon at one of our outstanding Lee District Schools!
Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand presented a $2.9 billion FY 2019 proposed budget to the School Board at our January 11 meeting, representing a 4.3% increase over the approved FY 2018 budget. An 86% majority of the budget is allocated to instruction and teacher compensation. Other priorities include enrollment growth, employee development, and an overall focus on efficiency and effectiveness in using our funds.
Community support is crucial in ensuring FCPS receives the funding needed to advance its mission. Stay engaged by attending meetings or speaking at a public hearing. Lee District Supervisor McKay and I will host a Budget Town Hall on March 21 in the Franconia Governmental Center Community Room from 7-9 p.m. We encourage you to attend!
Next week during the February 8 meeting, the School Board will adopt its Advertised Budget. We will continue to shape the budget through March and into April, when we present to the Board of Supervisors, and will vote on the Approved Budget in May. For updates throughout the process and a current schedule of all budget related meetings, visit the FCPS website: FY 2019 Budget
We are in the final stages of public comments for our process to consider opening a Level 4 AAP Center at Bush Hill Elementary School. A Public Hearing is scheduled during the February 8 regular School Board meeting with the School Board scheduled to make their final decision on February 22.
This process began in October and continued throughout the second semester with community meetings, surveys, PTA meetings and Parent Coffees.
If you would like to speak at the public hearing, here’s how you can sign up: Citizen Participation
Here is a link that further outlines the process to date and contains community survey results.
GrandInvolve
 GrandInvolve-- Changing the World, One Child at a Time
We Need You! Join us in GrandInvolve - a program which facilitates volunteer opportunities in Fairfax County's Title I schools. GrandInvolve recruits 50+ adult volunteers who are interested in mentoring, providing reading and math tutoring, as well as assisting in the classroom.
With 9 new schools recently added, GrandInvolve is looking for both school volunteers and volunteers for the Action (Leadership) Teams. Action Team volunteers serve as a liaison between the school and GrandInvolve.
For more information about GrandInvolve and volunteer opportunities, please contact info@grandinvolve.org or visit https://www.grandinvolve.org.
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My next coffee will be held at Grounded Coffee at 6919 Telegraph Road from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on February 21. Please join me and other Lee District residents to share ideas and concerns! No appointment necessary.
Please contact ampetro@fcps.edu if you are interested in representing the Lee District in an open committee position:
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee
Provides recommendations to the local educational agency (or board) on current job needs and the relevancy of career and technical education programs.
Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee
Represents the community and brings to the School Board’s attention resource and programmatic issues associated with adult education.
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