REACH group forming |
| September 15, 2012 |
|
With the Boundary County School District 101
Board of Trustees voting at the last minute last
spring to fill all the teaching positions at the
Naples and Mt. Hall Elementary School, and the
threat that budget cuts will again raise that
specter this year, parents and school staff
alike are banding together to form the REACH
group, Reaching Educational Achievement through
Community Help. A loud public outcry against the cuts gave a respite, but the school board warned that the funding for the positions might only be for a year unless ideas could be developed to overcome long-term budgetary constraints. Both schools, REACH founders say, achieved four-star ratings thanks to high test scores, the result, they say, of the dedication of teaching staff, and losing our outstanding outlying schools to budget constraints without doing everything possible would be a disservice to our county's rural students. That's what REACH is dedicated to doing by supporting all Boundary County public schools and to work with the board to bring about innovative long-term solutions. Already, there is a small core group working on budget questions and advocating for adequate resources for our schools, but more help is needed. Those interested in being part of REACH can call Theresa Wardle, (208) 290-1233 for updates on progress and on meeting schedules. |