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Council Delegates
First off, Carrollton-Farmers
Branch Independent School District administrators are thrilled that the Oct.
25 bond election was approved (more than 70 percent voted in favor!), and
they would like to thank everyone who helped publicize the election and all
those who voted. District Superintendent Dr. Annette Griffin said the $300
million in bond funds will be used to improve school facilities, update technology
at schools, and finance new school buses throughout the district. Your kids
will benefit soon!
Unfortunately, Dr. Griffin says the school district
still expects a big budget shortfall next year because of declining property
values and property taxes. This deficit will affect the schools' maintenance
and operating budget (largely used for staff salaries). Much of the district's
revenue is taken by the state goverment via the "Robin Hood" plan, and many
districts in Texas are now suing to reclaim their lost funds, as well as
lobbying the state to come up with a more equitable funding plan for schools
throughout the state. But until a better plan comes along, many districts
are facing budget cuts.
To close the budget gap, the CFBISD Board
of Trustees is considering a variety of cutbacks for 2004-2005. An online
survey to gauge residents' opinions on the issue is available at the district's
Web site: www.cfbisd.edu/. Check it out!
In other news, Kristin Eoff
and Sounjalynne Mata are still collecting clothes, books, CDs, videotapes
and audiotapes for the PTA Clothes Closet and its Used Book Sale (Feb. 19-22).
Please bring your donations to our next PTA meeting. Questions? Call Kristin
at (972) 417-0088. The Clothes Closet particularly needs new underwear and
new or used school uniforms. So far, the closet has provided clothing to
37 families and 114 children this school year alone!
Upcoming events:
Dec. 2: Free session
on "Today's Child, Tomorrow's Parent." Montgomery Primary School, 2807 Amber
in Farmers Branch. 8 to 9:30 a.m. Child care available without reservations.
Info.: (972) 323-2866.
Dec. 8: Clothes Closet work day. 9:30 to noon.
Dec. 22-Jan. 5: CFBISD winter break.
Jan. 12: Clothes Closet work day. 9:30 to noon.
Jan. 12: Free parent-education class on "Girl Wise." Noon to 1 p.m. at the Technology Learning Center, Room 208. No child care.
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King birthday. No school.
Jan. 26: Clothes Closet work day. 9:30 to noon.
Feb.
5: Free parenting workshop on "Today's Child, Tomorrow's Parent." Central
Elementary School, 1600 S. Perry in Carrollton. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Child care
available at (972) 323-2866.
Bunco
Geraldine Leondike (972) 394-8127
Bunco
is a fun and easy dice game with no prior experience required! We always
need subs! If you'd like to sign up for the sub list please give me a call!
Playgroups
Doan Ngo (972) 242-9518
Do
your kids need new playmates? Do you want to chat with other moms? The PTA
has ongoing playgroups that you can join. Please contact Doan Ngo at (972)
242-9518 or ngodtrang@yahoo.com if you need more information or if you are
interested in joining a group or starting a new one.
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