NEAT BULLETIN

The School Committee's Budget and Property Sub-Committee met tonight (Thurs.) and voted to take off the table the decision to close a school next year. The Superintendent described the outpouring from the community as "phenomenal" and made clear that this decision was largely influenced by all of our hard work. Congratulations to us all!

So with this victory under our belt, we know the power in our numbers and we can now use and grow it for the work that lies ahead. We will be in touch in the next day or so about action steps with our state legislators -- we've got a revenue raising bill to fight for (closing corporate tax loopholes)! And it will need our help. So stay tuned.

But first, a recap of the Budget and Property Committee meeting: The Superintendent presented two budget cutting scenarios to the committee members. The crux of the debate is whether to cut transportation or elementary school teachers. A detailed analysis was presented around elementary school enrollment and class sizes that would result from each scenario. Kathy Foote Newman raised the issue of reviewing middle and high school enrollment as well, and this request was echoed by the other committee members. Isabelina said she would bring this information to the full committee meeting next Thurs. The superintendent proposed the establishment of a large committee to study solutions to the budget crisis during the next year. NEAT expects to be very active with that study. Finally, everyone stressed that the budget gap was also closed by using up the reserve funds. There is no cushion for this year; no savings.

By and large, the committee and the superintendent clearly heard the community and responded in a positive way. That is a major first step!

In other news:

NEAT members are meeting with State Senator Stan Rosenberg tomorrow. We need Senator Rosenberg to push the Senate leadership on the proposed bill to close corporate tax loopholes. We'll keep you posted on his intentions and perspective.

The committee to explore the option of an override ballot campaign will meet at 7 pm, this Sunday night, April 6th at 102 Bancroft Road at Round Hill Road. Contact Julie Starr for more info. 413-584-8785. An organizational NEAT meeting will be held at 7:15 at 22 Columbus Avenue (Pam and Joel's home, 586-7113). The purpose of this meeting is to establish the internal structure of NEAT for the long term.

The full School Committee meets next Thursday, April 10th at 7:15 pm at JFK. There is opportunity for public comment. Please come if you can!

Check out the Calendar [link] on the NEAT website for these meetings and other events.

Congratulations once again for your great work! We'll keep you posted on plans to celebrate and build in some old-fashioned fun as we push forward in securing a quality education for all of Northampton's children.

NEAT