The school budget is developed with input from all stakeholders. The newly appointed Advisory Council guides the process for gaining input and communication to the principal the recommended priorities from the community. The principal works with the staff to review the recommendations. Priorities are identified and the annual budget is developed based on those priorities.
Current priorities are as follows:
Identified priorities
- Continue the resource classes (vocal music, library, physical education [PE] and art)
- Continue Advanced Academics and provide more differentiation within that program
- Continue Spanish and violin
- Emphasize science
- Provide an art room
- Provide more online instructional programs
- Provide information for new parents regarding school routines and procedures
- Provide indoor recess on inclement weather or extreme cold weather days
- Improve maintenance of school grounds
- Develop a long range plan for the use of technology
- Establish a process for parents willing to volunteer in specific ways to help cut costs
Priorities that were funded
- Maintain 13 classroom teacher positions (Grades K–5, Pre-K is funded by the system)
- Maintain 4 resource teacher positions (library, vocal music, art, PE)
- Continue Spanish and violin – with some adjustments regarding the offerings
- Maintain 1 Advanced Academics Teacher (Grades K to 5)
- Add 1.5 Instructional Para-educators (assist with small group instruction, supervision in computer lab & cafeteria)
- Provide online instruction – pilot program in partnership with JHU, Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – math only – students who are working 2–3 years above grade level and other online instructional programs in reading and math for all students
- Add 1 science teacher (Grades K to 5)
- Continue clerical support
- Continue 1 full time custodian and hire 2 part time custodians
Priorities that were addressed but have indirect costs
- An art room and a science room will be provided
- The Science sub-committee of the SIT will develop a Science Parent Program
- A committee will create a parent handbook for all parents ready for distribution in the fall
- PE classes will be scheduled to avoid the 10:55 am to 1:20 pm time slot in order to free up the gym for indoor recess on days with inclement weather or extreme cold
- A committee will re-design the website
- A technology committee will be established to develop a long range plan for use of technology
There are a few requirements that we must address in our budget that were identified by central office, including funding summer school, special education positions, a health aide and substitutes. In addition, funds for computers, office and classroom supplies, contracts such as the rental fee for the copiers, custodial supplies and a full time Assistant Principal have been allocated for the 2009–2010 school year. Prekindergarten positions are funded by the central office.