01
Apr
From the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education:
This message has been sent to you by The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education. Comments or questions can be sent to wagifted@earthlink.net or barbaragmaurer@yahoo.com. If you wish to have your name added to our mailing list, send a notice to wagifted@earthlink.net.
A BUDGET WE CAN – MOSTLY – LIVE WITH
Amidst all the carnage of the legislative budget proposals, Highly Capable Programs are one of the few that came through virtually unscathed.
I am attaching a chart of the three proposed budgets for the next biennium which contains the figures from the current biennium for comparison purposes.
The amount each budget provides for Highly Capable is what, in budget parlance, is called maintenance funding. It maintains the program at the current level allowing for inflation.
The only part of these proposals we cannot live with is that the House did not provide funding for the arts and science programs at Centrum at Fort Worden. For many gifted students across the state these programs provide their only exposure to art, drama, music and science enrichment.
So, please contact your senator and representatives. We suggest you say something along the lines of: The level of funding provided for highly capable programs in this budget proposal shows you recognize that for gifted students, curriculum and instruction that matches their academic needs is basic education. Thank you.
For House members add: Please include the $170,000 per fiscal year for Centrum funding as provided in the Senate and Governor’s proposals.
How did Highly Capable emerge whole? We can only conclude that it was the effort of supporters across the state to contact their legislators and advocate for gifted students.
To all of you, kudos, props, applause, a pat on the back; or as they say on reality TV, “let’s give it up for” our advocates!!!!!!!!!!!
Still no word on the education reform bills; more information as soon as we hear. But do contact legislators about the budget as soon as possible.
