Speaking of news coverage following the budget cuts, there was an article in the local section of the WSJ yesterday - focusing on the ramifications of the budget process to the golf team. Apparently, the consolidation of Madison's golf teams may not be approved by the state athletics board <sarcasm> and of course that is far more important than preserving Madison's quality neighborhoods. </sarcasm>
There has been discussion on the Marquette NA's listserve about this issue. As it currently stands, the board can move to reconsider the changes at one of the next two board meetings (the next being next Monday). But the hard part is coming up with ways to save an additional $500,000 (minus $78,000 if they made both schools k-5) to cover the costs of keeping the schools open, and provide space for the Affiliated Alternatives program that is currently set to use the vacated Marquette space. What we need most at this point are a lot of good ideas for saving the school district money. What follows are a few areas that I have suggested be explored. I post these as a way to get other ideas flowing. I encourage everybody to throw a few ideas into the ring - you can send them to me/bikies and I'll forward them on, and/or you can send them directly to the Board. --- I am curious if the City of Madison can offer some type of assistance. The location of the school has a huge impact on the quality of our neighborhood, and maintaining our quality neighborhoods is part of the Mission of the City of Madison. Possibilities to consider: Could the City of Madison work out some type of agreement to lease/share space with the Affiliated Alternatives to reduce the cost of that operation? Could City of Madison Parks division take on the responsibility of maintaining school grounds across the whole district? (assuming it is not already). Can Madison pick up a larger share of the costs of operating the school crossing guard program? Can The Streets division take on parking lot snow removal during winter? Could any potential fees that MMSD is paying to the City be waived? Can we utilize neighborhood development grants in some way to offset the costs of operating the schools? Can the City give MMSD money? Could school ensembles hold a special concert at the Overture Center and charge admission to raise money? I am sure more possibilities exist. _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
