Budget Cuts to Fine Arts?

ATTENTION: The school department is asking for a 12% increase in their operating budget for next year. This increase is to keep current programs and not make any cuts. Our district has been working hard to increase the quality of education for all Webster students, and has been very successful in doing so over the past few years.

The town administrator and selectmen stated they would not support this increase and asked for a 6% and 5% proposed budget. The cuts that would have to be made in this case are catastrophic for maintaining current levels. Cuts would have to be made, but it is unclear which areas would be affected. The school department was then asked for a 4% increase plan. This would be the worst case scenario. Major cuts to programs are imminent. No department is immune to this, with major cuts to subjects such as Art and Music being very likely, along with cuts to AP course offerings and Sports.

It seems like the 4% increase is what the school committee is putting forward to the town. What does that mean for you?  USER FEES!  Sports, Music, Art, Drama, etc. would all have user fees. There would be a possibility for bus fees to transport students and parking fees for students that drive to school. EVERYTHING is on the table to offset the reduced budget. Do not let this go without your voice being heard. What you need to do is attend the following and advocate for Webster Education:

Tuesday April 14, 7pm: School Committee meeting at PARK AVE

Monday April 27, 7pm: Town Meeting at Bartlett