As a parent I am very concerned about the proposed budget cuts.  However, one thing I cannot understand is this.  The budget for 2009 was, accordingly to LWSD records, 9.41% higher than in 2008.  This was due, in large part, to a pay increase worth 8.25% to teachers plus other allowances.  I have to ask, while I think that teachers should be well rewarded, why are such large raises being awarded in what we now know was a recession.  In general, the private sector hasn't been awarding raises for some time and, to be blunt, 8.25% is just too much for an award which isn't merit based.  Most annoyingly, this raise was awarded without consideration as to whether it could be afforded in the following year - something we now know it couldn't be.  Has this issue been raised?

It is all well and good to encourage monetary support of PTSA and booster clubs, however that do NOT help support the student-athlete who cannot even afford to come out for a sport and never is in a position to benefit from said booster club.
The $275 sports fee is going to do significant and lasting damage to the quality of student and education in the whole of LWSD.

This fee will hit sports like Swimming, Cross Country, and Track that has the broadest reaching positive impact on students (no cut sports) the hardest.

These sports often reach the most disenfranchised and higher need students who thrive in a positive/continual improvement environment. Sports like Football, Soccer, and Basketball will see minimal impact because the students who are already committed to those sports play at a high level. These sports, by their nature, cannot reach out to the kids who often need it most.

I am shocked the Board has not considered a tiered fee system depending upon what sport is being played.