Curley parents Lindsey Weeramuni and Yasmina Alvarenga delivering our first message opposing the proposed budget cuts
The parents’ attendance at last week’s Boston School Committee meeting was a great start to our efforts at lobbying BPS to stop cutting our budget. One early but very positive outcome was an invitation to meet this week with the BPS Chief Financial Officer John McDonough.
Though last Wednesday’s School Committee meeting ran late into the night, parents waited patiently and respectfully until the public comment period when Lindsey Weeramuni and Yasmina Alvarenga delivered a bilingual statement. As Lindsey and Yasmina spoke, the large group of other Curley parents wearing Curley shirts stood silently behind them in solidarity. The committee was very impressed by the tone and conduct of our group and our command of data to tell our story.
Several parents from the Mather School also spoke after Lindsey and Yasmina as they are facing budget cuts themselves. During their testimony, our parents spontaneously rose in solidarity as well, as we understand that all parents need to advocate for all schools in the system. This show of support was later commended by members of the Committee.
Our work continues. This is only the beginning. Help keep the momentum going! Outreach packets for phone calls, emails and letters were distributed via email by class parents last week. If you need another packet, please click on the link below.
- Outreach Packet for calls, emails and letters (English and Spanish)
- Contact Information for Mayor, City Councillors, BPS Officials and School Committee
- January 18, 2012 statement to the Boston School Committee (English version)
- January 18, 2012 statement to the Boston School Committee (Spanish version)
The video of the Committee Meeting may be found here:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/cable/video_library.asp?id=2392
Lindsey and Yasmina’s statement appears at the 1:08 mark, but preliminary budget remarks from both BPS CFO John McDonough and Superintendent Carol Johnson, including their remarks on the Curley in particular, are found before that.
If you would like to speak at a future school committee meeting or have other questions, contact Lindsey Weeramuni.
1 comment
Carrie Fletcher says:
January 24, 2012 at 8:50 am (UTC -5)
Also, School Committee member Claudio Martinez had some very favorable comments about Lindsey & Yasmina’s presentation. He starts talking around 1:39 and it’s well worth watching that bit also!