We lack needed programs in training

Do you want Ellicott District to have a home economics course?  Do you want to see your child in a play?  If you do, then don't go to any of the Ellicott schools in District 22.  There is no drama classes, there is no home economics classes, no marching band or even a "PEP/drum and horn band".  Why would a district with over 4.9 million dollars being saved, not have a dramic arts program?  The sports programs are heavily funded, but not the art's programs.

The school board says that we don't have the funding.to support any of the above classes.

But there is funding available.  Take Drama for example.  All we need to do is hire an English teacher who is willing to do drama after school, like a coach does football, pay the teacher about the same as the coach, and then fund the drama activity with say $5,000 for props, costumes, etc.  Total cost to the District would be about $10,000 per year.  Remember the district has $4.9 million not being spent.

The choir is another example, no funding available.  But for about $2,500 new choir robes in school colors could be purchased.  Just think how much school spirit could be obtained for small amounts of funding.

Strange how funding for new football uniforms is available, but no funding available for Home Economics.

The board does not see any need, but the committee believes that the school boards priorities are out of touch with the parents of the District.  The committee supports the need for home economics classes, new choir robes, and a drama program.

Stiffle Public Participation

Watch the board carefully.  Now the Ellicott School Board is trying to stiffle public participation at the board meetings.  Yes you read correctly.  Beginning in the August 19th board meeting the school board began to re-write district policy BEDH - Public participation at Board meetings.  The intent is to reword the policy to allow the school board to "move public participation from one meeting to the next".  If the school board agenda is full "then we would move the public participation phase to the next's month meeting" was the statement from the board president Todd Schainost at the September 23rd board meeting.  The outcry from the citizens attending the meeting was immediate and loud.  Fearing for their jobs, (the recall petition had just was certified by the county clerk on the 23rd), the board decided to "examine the issue further".  But make no mistake, the board wants to "control" how much public input they will allow, and when they will allow it.  Since the re-written policy has now been "read twice" in public meetings, the only thing left to do before it becomes policy is for a the board to have a  "consent" vote.  After the consent vote - Your ability to ask the board questions, or to request information will be at an end.  Your only recourse is to vote the old board out and a new board in.....