Editor: Let's forget the projections I laid out in my commentary published in the Tracy Press on Sunday. Even using the Jefferson District's outdated and ill-conceived basis and projections, their excess of $428,000 of revenue over expenditures, when added to the $1.48 million beginning balance leaves a surplus of over $1.9 million in the general fund after expenses at the end of next school year (June 30, 2004.)
With the primary music program costing less than $60,000 per year, and affecting over 1,000 district students, that equates to less than $6 per student. How can we not afford to restore to the children, that which should have never been taken from them, and that will positively influence their learning ability, and thus their opportunity for the rest of their lives?
At the next meeting the board of trustees will vote on the approval 2003/2004 budget. At present, no allocation for funding the primary music program has been included. If at all possible please attend this meeting and voice your concerns to the board. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10th at 6:30 pm in the Jefferson School cafeteria, at 7500 W. Linne Rd. in Tracy. Also, please take a moment and sign the online petition at www.musicforjefferson.org/petition in support of restoring the primary music program to our children.
The kids will thank you.
Daniel Wells
Tracy