Developing the Florida School District budget

To the editor: The Florida Board of Education will be holding a public hearing concerning the 2006-2007 budget on May 4th. Unfortunately, the school board will be voting to adopt the budget on April 6th. Can public comment at the May hearing have any significant impact on next year’s budget when the school board has already adopted it? Despite decreasing enrollment in the district the last several years, the school budget has continued to increase. So have your taxes. More than likely, those three trends will hold form for next year. That’s why I’m working with New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt to help change how our schools are financed. You should make your opinion heard. I urge you to attend one of the Florida Board of Education budget work sessions on either Thursday, Feb. 2, or Thursday, March 2, both at 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Building next to the S.S. Seward Institute. Please bring your comments in writing, as public comment usually isn’t permitted at work sessions. Sincerely, Blaine Alvarez-Backus Florida