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Dear Council Member,

Below is a Mother’s Day message to you from parents, MCPS employees and concerned stakeholders [Please note: these are separate signers]. We urge you to make fully funding the County Executive’s budget for Montgomery County Public Schools your top priority. Montgomery County mothers and the kids they love deserve nothing less!

Respectfully,

Merle Cuttitta, President, SEIU Local 500

Signed by:

“Education is a unique key. It opens doors. And provides a livelihood. Not funding it. Amounts to leaving our children. With houses without keys. Stop, think about it!”

- Barnabas N. from 20715

“Please fund the education budget for a brighter tomorrow for MCPS moms and their children!”

- Carol S. from 20723

“Please make education your top priority because it is my top priority.  Continue to make Maryland a great place to raise a family.  Keep your promise to teacher pension plans, keep benefits for teachers, and keep class size small.”

- Elaina B. from 20770

“I urge you to fund Montgomery County Public Schools budget.”

- Susan N. from 20814

“Montgomery County Public Schools is ranked the top of the nation. How do you think this happened? Professional development trainings, programs, initiatives, and standards may originate outside the classroom, but it’s the supporting staff, teachers, and administrators who make it happen on a daily basis. How long do you think that will continue without the proper support from the County Council?”

- Cindy V. from 20816

“Be generous in funding education. I would support a tax increase to meet the school board’s budget proposal.  Their proposal would require, according to Ike Leggett’s office a few hundred dollars more from each taxpaying household.  A dollar a day per family to ensure excellent education is a bargain!”

- Jennifer M. from 20817

“I’ll be graduating from UMD and moving on to Maryland law school thanks to the excellent education I got in  Montgomery County’s public schools.  My folks moved to this county–and paid substantially more for their modest home than they might have elsewhere–expressly to get me this opportunity.  Now my mother is relying on her property to hold its value so she can be secure in her retirement.  Cuts to the school budget wouldn’t just hurt MCPS kids; homeowners will also suffer from diminished returns on their investment.”

- Allan T. from 20817

“After 25 years of teaching the young children of montgomery county, after giving up sundays with my own children so that I could plan for the education of others, after working late day after day, my retirement is not enough to live on!  Shame on you!!”

- donna b. from 20877

“Keep our quality education.  Who will ever want to live in Montgomery County if our schools are not the best?  I know I wouldn’t – would you?”

- Virginia O. from 20817

“Keep our schools strong.”

- Lucy M. from 20817

“Hello,

As a mother of two and an educator of MCPS, I strongly urge you to use your power to fund education. Or at least you do what is right: STATE AID FOR EDUCATION SHOULD BE SPENT ON EDUCATION!.

Sincerely,

Sookhee”

- Sookhee P. from 20832

“Please don’t cut funding for our schools. Our kids are counting on you.”

- Kirsten N. from 20832

“Please find other ways to balance the budget and stop punishing the children. They are our future; they deserve the best teachers, the best staff, the best environment. They deserve your support as our elected officials! Please show our schools we support education and the children of Montgomery County.”

- Stephanie F. from 20832

“Please support our children. Class sizes are out of control. I will have 29 second graders next year. MD. For the past 15 years my top class size was 23. I can differentiate and individualize. I can meet with parents and address specifie issues. Too many..too little attention, instructions. KEEP OUR FUNDS AND KEEP OUR CLASS SIZE DOWN!”

- Ann T. from 20832

“Teachers, parents, kids and people who know that an educated public leads to a better quality of life for everyone all value education and want YOU to place it at the top of your priorities as well.”

- Susan N. from 20832

“Value education means low class size in all subjects, increased funding for arts, liveable wages and benefits for teachers and professional growth so our teachers can continue to be the best!”

- Karen B. from 20833

“With too many cuts to vital programs and school positions now, we will pay later with an increased dropout rates, and a student body entering the workforce far behind in skills that are needed.  Please consider our students’ and county’s future carefully.”

- Clare G. from 20837

“Please consider that you are downgrading the quality of our public education just when America is struggling to find competent workers for the jobs that are ready to come available.”

- Linda P. from 20841

“It’s time to realize that this county doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.  I work hard within the school system to be sure I do my best to provide what the children need in order to receive the best education possible.  Now you want me and my coworkers to take cuts to continue to fund the council’s spending problem.  This county needs to cut out some of the wasteful gimme programs before it is too late.  I left the private sector to come to MCPS because of the benefits, but if those are going to be cut back, I will go back to the private sector where the money is much better.”

- Helen W. from 20850

“Nothing is more important than the educational future of our children!”

- Colleen S. from 20850

“Please make every effort to fund our schools at the MOE effort, or at least fund the fine for not doing so.”

- Martha L. from 20850

“Thank you for doing what will keep our educational system so strong.  Please use the funds from the state that are designated for education just for education.  Teachers continue to work harder and harder with more demands (no raises, larger classes)

but our commitment to the students is still as strong as ever.  Thank you for yours!”

- Ellen C. from 20850

“What happened to the waiver?  The instrumental music program is being crippled!”

- Heather B. from 20850

“I am 6 months pregnant, and though my child will not be attending school for several years, I am deeply concerned about what is happening to public education here in Montgomery County.  I have always thought I would send my children to public school, but when I see how the County Council is cutting funding for public education left and right, I don’t see how our schools can remain as successful as they are now.  Please ensure that the children of Montgomery County have a bright future to look forward to by providing  necessary funding towards education.  Thank you.”

- Karen H. from 20851

“Please continue to value education by fully funding it for our students and our future!”

- Susie P. from 20851

“Any savings you achieve today by cutting education funding any further are illusory.  Any fat in the system is gone now.  Further cuts will save short-term, but will cost you long-term because our children will be less well-educated as a result.  Don’t believe for one second that the quality of education is not affected when you increase class size.  Don’t believe for one second that the quality of education isn’t affected when outstanding 1st or 2nd year teachers are axed (last in, first out).  Don’t believe for one second that the qulaity of education is not affected by forcing teachers to carry more than their fare share of the economic downturn (losing ground to inflation because pay is frozen, paying more fof medical costs, paying more of pension costs) won’t cause some of the most capable teachers that have other career options to get out, which will affect the qulaity of education.  Don’t believe for one second that the quality of education is not affected when you cut programs further.  Don’t sacrifice the long-term benefits, both in terms of economic impact and otherwise, of a more well-educated population, for short-term savings. A less well-educated population will cost us A LOT of money in the future.”

- Jeff F. from 20852

“Quality education is one of the great thinks about living in Montgomery County.  Please preserve it.”

- Albert H. from 20852

“Edcating our children will determine the quality of life style in our leaders of tomorrow.”

- david n. from 20853

“Morale at schools is slipping.  What else is important other than our children?”

- Donna O. from 20853

“NO MORE CUTS!”

- Mary Ann R. from 20853

“PLEASE, NO MORE CUTS!  Our country’s future depends on the education of “our future!””

- Theresa W. from 20853

“The greatest honor the county can give me as a mother and grandmother, is to keep education a very high priority in order to ensure a bright future for my children’s children!! That is every mother and grandmother’s prayer and hope today.

Thank you for listning and PLEASE honor your Mothers’ wish ”

- Rafca K. from 20853

“These cuts will hurt students; property values in this county are directly related to the school system’s reputation.  Please fund the school budget.”

- Patricia W. from 20853

“Happy Mother’s Day to those Mothers in the County Council.”

- Dr. Nancy B. H. from 20854

“Education is a top priority for our children”

- sherine e. from 20855

“I already work three jobs, limiting the extra hours that I can devote to my classroom duties.  The state of Maryland has already cut my salary by 2%.  Further salary cuts or health care increases will mean me having to find yet another source of outside income, completely eliminating my ability to donate free overtime to my students.  If you think that a teacher can accomplish all that needs to be done during his normal work hours, you are sadly mistaken.  Don’t kill Montgomery County’s golden goose.  Fully fund our schools!”

- Mark C. from 20855

“Please do not cut any more funding for our schools, kids, teachers and families. We have already seen the effects of the cuts with 29 first graders in one class!”

- Mary K. from 20855

“The children are our future. We cannot do this to them or ourselves.”

- Ann W. from 20860

“Our children deserve the best. They are our future. Please don’t take that away from them.

Sandra Ross”

- sandra r. from 20866

“Please do the right thing.  Spend state monies intended for education for EDUCATION”

- Elizabeth D. from 20866

“Do what’s right!”

- Randy K. from 20872

“Our teachers, police officers and fire fighters are our key to our successful future.  Let’s make sure we have the best resources for all.  Thank you.”

- Carol M. from 20872

“Please don’t undo all we’ve accomplished!  I already put in 60-70 hours/week depending upon the time of year and now I will need to cut back to look and hopefully secure a 2nd job.  My expenses are rising and salaries are not.  Now, we have more to do with less resources.  Don’t be naive and think this won’t harm our children.  It will!  I’m even more discouraged because my children are now in the school system and won’t benefit from the supports that used to be available.  How sad!  When things are going well, we thank the parents, when things are going poorly, we blame the teachers.  Teachers are the foundation of our world.  Value education, please!  Our future literally depends on it!”

- Sue K. from 20872

“Please remember that our high ranking schools are what developes our county’s tax base.  People and companies don’t move to an area because of their great roads, or fire department.  They come because of the schools.  Teachers make schools.  If you don’t  support highly qualified teachers you don’t support the future of Montgomery County.”

- Susan O. from 20872

“Think of the children in our community. . . and save our schools!  It is the right thing to do.”

- Carol B. from 20872

“Do you think it is time to stop blaming teachers for all the woes of the county?  I do!”

- Jennifer K. from 20874

“I am a single mom of a middle school student in MCPS. I am also an MCPS teacher. If my health benefits are changed as Mr. Leggett proposes it will decimate my household budget; putting me and my child; your student; at risk. I’m not asking for a raise or a COLA increase – I’m asking you not to take more away from me and my child. I’m a tax-payer too.”

- Jo Anne D. from 20874

“I was a volunteer mom from 1997-2003 in elementary schools, helping to teach small-group math-reading, and very active on the PTA. In 2004 I became an MCPS SpEd para educator, working with secondary lower-functioning students.  I continue to work with SpEd secondary SCB. These students are fully capable of learning, but at a slower pace than the GenEd population, concentrating on applying the math/reading applications needed to successfully carry out life skills. Because of student assimilation time, we practice these skills beginning in middle school, with the goal of preparing students to function in the world after age 21. We serve a definitive purpose, just as every teacher does in MCPS. We cannot reach students when spread so thin – we must allocate more time to administrative duties, and spend less time focused on parent-student-staff collaboration. Funding is so important – we must maintain the status quo, continuing to provide all application facets needed for an education, to support all our students, aiming for SuCcEsS !”

- Rebecca B. from 20874

“It takes a village to raise a child. Now is not the time to cut funds. We need to ensure the future of our children.”

- Michele T. from 20874

“Please ensure that our school system’s budget is fully funded!”

- Carol P. from 20874

“Please keep the jobs of those single mothers that love the students they have in there classes and hope to make a different in there lives of them and the parents.”

- Maria A. from 20874

“Please keep the jobs of those single mothers that love the students they have in there classes and hope to make a different in there lives of them and the parents.”

- Maria A. from 20874

“Review the MOE before deciding to not file for it.  We can use all the forgiveness we can get.  This results in funding being available for our children….

Just Do It!!!”

- Genevieve D. from 20874

“Your mothers would be ashamed of what you are trying to do to the quality of education in this county.  Why should my taxes fund your mistakes rather than my child’s education?”

- Rachel H. from 20874

“Fund our schools!! Our county’s children and families are worth the expense.”

- Ilyssa W. from 20876

“I urged someone I care about come out and vote for the council members becuase I said their vote impacts me and helps me with my job. They would not have come out otherwise to vote.”

- Gabriella W. from 20876

“What happened to No Child Left Behind if you cut our Funding that’s what’s going to happend!!!!!!!”

- charlotte t. from 20876

“Teachers reach the world!”

- Debi C. from 20877

“Try caring about us!!!”

- Diane J. from 20877

“FUND OUR SCHOOLS AND KEEP THE PROMISE!”

- Roberta R. from 20878

“I am a single mother with two teenage daughters.  I work as a special education para-educator.  I love my work, love to help kids thrive.  Please understand that those of us at the bottom rungs are already in severe financial straits.  Please I want to keep my job, keep the health benefits my kids need.  Cutting education is the wrong way to go.  It’s not fat, it’s muscle and bones.”

- Diane K. from 20878

“I am shocked that I work for one of the top school systems in America, where people from around the nation come to for our special education services and dedicated teachers….and yet our positions are being cut, funding is being sliced, and we have one of the worst pensions in the country. How can this be?  It only lowers morale, invites less motivated teachers to apply, and makes the good ones leave…please reconsider.”

- Robin B. from 20878

“More kids, more diversity, high expectations for all.  Please help us fulfill our mission for all our children.”

- Cristina L. from 20878

“Please remember who loses when education is cut.

The children deserve our best.”

- Kathleen F. from 20878

“The future relies on the younger generations. We must provide them adequated education!”

- Yu Ying H. from 20878

“would you be in your position today if it was’t for the teacher ?”

- li l. from 20878

“Dear Council Members,

Investment in education is an investment in our most valuable resource – the future citizens of Montgomery County and our country. It is an investment that pays off hugely in economic and social ways. Every Mom knows that giving the best to our children when they are young produces excellent of adults. The Council should do the same when thinking about education funding.”

- Anne M. from 20879

“As a voter in MoCo. It is important to me and my family that you FULLY fund education!!!”

- Lauri F. from 20886

“Keep YOur Campaign Promises to keep our schools great.”

- David H. from 20886

“Please do not cut the county’s budget on the backs of our children.  Thank you.”

- Lynne D. from 20886

“I have three special needs children, please do not short change them, they need a bright future.  This would be the best Mother’s Day Gift ever.”

- Becky H. from 20895

“As a mom and a teacher please STOP this craziness! Raise taxes, cut something else but stop taking away my pay! I can barely afford to keep MY own children in MCPS schools!!!!!!!!!”

- Jennifer H. from 20901

“I urge you to support full funding for MCPS so that every mother’s child may lead a successful life while contributing positively to the community.  Not all students will go to college.  We need to provide support and skills for students who will work in the service industries.  This means educational goals for all students, of all abilities and for all their career goals. We need full funding in order to address success for all students.”

- Cathy U. from 20901

“Please do the right thing by all the moms and children of Montgomery County. Don’t throw away the greatness county residents have built and invested in for so many years — our public school system. Without it, our property values or county’s future success and most of all it’s children will suffer.”

- Anna O. from 20901

“As a taxpayer and parent in Montgomery County I am very concerned about this county council’s lack of vision. Education and quality school are important! Important for the future and important for our property values. I moved to the county for the schools. Why you would cut their budget further baffles me. Please support our school! Fund Education in Montgomery County for our children, for the future!”

- Miranda B. from 20902

“Stop playing politics with our children’s future and DO THE RIGHT THING.”

- Joshua R. from 20902

“Think about the children and the future they hold for Montgomery County!!!!”

- Sally M. from 20902

“As a parent of a MCPS High School student, I see the impact on how budget cuts are hurting my child’s education.  Teachers have not had a raise in years.  Low morale means burnt out teachers and definitely no quality education.  New teachers with no experience is not the answer.  The answer is to reward the excellent teachers you already have.  Let them know that their hard work, professionalism and expertise is appreciated or you can say good-bye to the future of our kids.”

- Renee J. from 20903

“MCPS is a good steward of it’s funds, and the results speak for themselves.  We have one of the very best school systems in the nation.  Please fully fund the MCPS budget request.”

- Laurie C. from 20904

“Please fund our budget.  I am really hurting with the cut that is proposed for me next year. My job has been cut my salary has been cut in half. I am at a loss at to how I am going to complete the functions of my job next year in 4 hrs. per day. I was hired on at 8 hrs. 12 years as a full time Media Assistant and am working every minute that I am in the building. I don’t take my 15 min. breaks and hardly get a moment to eat my lunch some days. Normally have lunch with interruptions at my desk.  This is how I keep my head above water and keep up with my daily work load. The salary loss will certainly be a big hardship for me next year.  I sure hope I don’t lose my home. The children need us here.”

- Dee W. from 20905

“Thank you”

- Neelka M. from 20906

“As a mother of a MCPS child and an educator, I am saddened that the money being allocated by the state will not be reaching MCPS.  Please continue to fund our students’ futures and our profession.  Cutting education will cause us to slip from our national top 100 schools’ rankings!”

- Jacqueline R. from 20910

“I urge you to  to fully fund the public schools to the level suggested by the school board”

- Anne M. from 20910

“Fund the schools for our kids.”

- Ron C. from 21773

“Please reconsider funding public education to the fullest.”

- Marion R. from 22207

“To each and everyone of you. I hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day. Please consider that our children’s education is also “our” future not only their’s..”

- Patty T. from 25442

“Dear Council Member,

Everyone knows that “Knowledge is Power”. You had the right to gain a free, appropriate, and top-notch education otherwise you wouldn’t be where you are today.The future generations deserve the same type of opportunity if not more. It cannot happen if  majority of the funding is not in education. Show us you care for our future leaders!”

- Kavita S. from 60195

“Thanks for your work. I hope the Moms advce will help you reach the wisest decisons.”

- Stella B.

- PierAngeli M. from 20707

- Judith F. from 20906

- Subhadra T. from 20874

- Kathleen F. from 20882

- Aisha A. from 20011

- Maggie T. from 20852

- Nancy C. from 22203

- Victoria B. from 20901

- Rosa S. from 20874

- Alison F. from 20872

- Merle C. from 20879

- Gwendolyn F. from 20902

- Marykay A. from 20832

- Ruth H. from 20832

- Dennis L. from 20877

- Celia C. from 21619

- Elissa B. from 20815

- Carlos M. from 20903

- Lamin B. from 20910

- Rebecca W. from 20814

- Shelly M. from 20871

- B P. from 20832

- Joanna S. from 20832

- Tina L. from 20906

- Linda J. from 20852

- Mary B. from 20855

- Valerie E. from 20850

- Nancy F. from 20850

- Terrie P. from 20853

- Jill S. from 20871

- Tim S. from 20850

- Margaret K. from 20874

- pingping c. from 20874

- Julia S. from 20814

- Marla H. from 20817

- julia c. from 20814

- Denise R. from 20740

- Carolyn T. from 20850

- Anne R. from 20901

- Tamala R. from 20905

- Lauren M. from 20878

- Jessica B. from 20850

- Linda B. from 20876

- Elissa R. from 20878

- Renee S. from 20850

- Ashley M. from 20841

- Tamara H. from 20886

- Alicia H. from 20910

- Kathryn K. from 20815

- Deirdre B. from 20879

- Manal A. from 20905

- Steve Z. from 0

- Gerald B. from 20872

- JoAnne G. from 20850

- Tanya M. from 20904

- Barbara D. from 20678

- Diana L. from 20852

- Lan L. from 20878

- Lisa B. from 20871

- Denise C. from 20855

- lulu F. from 20855

- Bonnie P. from 20886

- Debra A. from 20901

- Martina L. from 20886

- Elaine D. from 20850

Dear Council Member,

Below is a Mother’s Day message from parents, MCPS employees and concerned stakeholders. We urge you to make fully funding the County Executive’s budget for Montgomery County Public Schools your top priority. Montgomery County mothers and the kids they love deserve nothing less!

Respectfully,

Merle Cuttitta, President, SEIU Local 500

Signed by:

“As a teacher and a parent in Montgomery County Public Schools, I see first hand what happens when class sizes get bigger and and funding is cut. We lose support positions in our school that impact all of our students. Our county has “raised the bar” and expects our children to be the best of the best. In order for schools to ensure each student is the “best of the best” teachers, special educators, and support personnel that work directly with our students should not be eliminated!”

- Denise M. from 20876

“Mom always said I could be whatever I want to be. Please do your part to ensure a bright future for all Mo.Co. students. Education is the KEY!”

- Carol L. from 20783

“As an educator in the county for almost 15 years, I have seen the demands increase exponentially as our county increases in diversity and need.  The number of special education children and the severity of needs has also increased.  We are being asked to provide a “world class” education to all of our students and to meet higher and higher target goals.  We strive to do this because we are dedicated professionals and we know that educating students now helps them to become independent, responsible citizens in the future.

However, this means putting more time and effort than ever into our teaching/educating.  It also means that we, as educators, have to take more training and classes, spend more time in and out of the classroom developing and differentiating instruction, and giving students the remedial help during and after school hours.  For our county council to then go back on a contract that was made in good faith, as well as to change agreements about retirement and health benefits is very discouraging and upsetting.  We school system employees count on you to be our advocates, not to sacrifice us when a budget crunch looms.

Please remember that unless you have a world-class group of educators and employees, you cannot have a world-class school system.”

- ellen f. from 20814

“We understand that everyone is going to feel the impact of budget cuts, but please consider that fact that without proper funding, our students cannot get the education they deserve.  As a teacher, I have not seen an increase in my paycheck  for years, but my bills go up and up.  If we can’t take care of ourselves, we will not be able to appropriately educate our students, let alone consider raising our own families.”

- JoAnna R. from 20814

“I got a great education in MCPS.  Others deserve the same!  Our county’s economic futre depends on an educated workforce and intellectual capital.  Don’t be short-sighted!”

- Andrew T. from 20817

“Education of our youngsters is so important.  I hope you will not cut funding to education.  Our teachers do a wonderful job in MCPS and they get results!”

- Lynn N. from 20832

“Our educational system is one of the best in the country.  This increases our property values and as a tax payer this is very important to me. Please fund the schools!!!”

- Michael N. from 20832

“Literacy forms the basis for success in academics and all other areas of life. We need students who are

prepared for the 21st century and the workplace.

Continue to fund education at all levels.”

- Elisa W. from 20833

“My Mom was an educator for MCPS and would be so proud of me but I am hurting with the lack of support for the elected leaders.”

- Gail Z. from 20842

“Children spend a large percentage of their hours in school. They should get every penny to make it the best that it can be!”

- Ann S. from 20850

“FUND MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOLS!!!  NO MORE CUTS!”

- Valerie E. from 20850

“I urge you to fund education and do your part to ensure a bright future for all our children. Moms and kids deserve nothing less.

Carol Moretz”

- Carol M. from 20850

“If you truly value our children and their futures, if you value the future of our country, you will fully fund public education.”

- Judy Di Salvo S. from 20850

“Please consider what impacts your votes will have on the children of Montgomery County and their success in Montgomery County Public Schools.

What would your mom say?”

- Phyllis R. from 20850

“What kind of future are you hoping for your children and grandchildren?

Do the right thing.”

- Sean S. from 20850

“Your vote carries tremendous consequences for the educational program and morale in our schools.  Will Montgomery County soon be recruiting teachers from overseas as well?”

- Carolyn G. from 20850

“Our students need our support and that means providing funds for education and every area that entails.  Our students have many different needs so we need to have resources to address the many needs we see everyday in our Montgomery County schools.  Thank you for your support and all that you do for our students and their education/future.”

- Grace F. from 20851

“The cuts to MCPS are getting dangerously close to the edge – to the point of doing serious, long term damage to education in this county.”

- Ermon V. from 20851

“The school system budget is the last thing you should cut. This is a make or break, get my vote or not get my vote, get my support or not get my support action, on your part.”

- John C. from 20851

“I have been a teacher for 15 years, the last 10 in MCPS.  Up to this point, I’ve proudly boasted to friends and family across the country how our elected leaders here in Montgomery County treasure and fully support the public schools.

What has happened Montgomery County Council?  Since when have MCPS employees become the villain?  When I hear Council President Ervin talk about curtailing MY collective bargaining rights I wonder when I suddenly moved to Wisconsin!

Council President Ervin, do you HONESTLY believe that cutting teacher’s benefits will have no impact on classroom instruction?  Don’t you realize that we’re being hit with a 2% increase in our state pension contribution?  You want to combine that with a huge hike in the amount teachers pay for their health care, never mind the fact that this will be our 3rd consecutive year without a COLA and the 2nd consecutive year without a step increase.  All this and classroom instruction won’t be impacted?  Come on Council President Ervin, you’re a smart woman.  You KNOW that many teachers will be forced to work second jobs and those already working such jobs will have to increase their hours.  More teachers working second jobs equals fewer teachers with time to commit to students outside the contracted hours.

Council President Ervin, I request that you stop doing what looks good for your political career i.e. jumping on the “blame public school teachers for the economic troubles” bandwagon and do what’s right.  Preserve MCPS employee benefits.  Don’t claim there will be no effect on classroom instruction if MCPS employee benefits are cut.  You and I both know there WILL be an effect, one that hurts the children of Montgomery County.

Council President Ervin, I have voted for you in the past both for Board of Ed and for County Council.  Rest assured, unless you change your tune going forward, I will NEVER support you again and will encourage all I know both in my private and professional life to do the same.  It’s time for you to step up, stop playing political games, and start thinking about the children of Montgomery County!”

- Adam F. from 20852

“You need to rethink your budget decisions.  Cutting the school budget will hurt our children.  If you need an incentive to restore the budget, remember that I am a voter.”

- Carol H. from 20852

“I am a paraeducator.  I work with special ed children in second, third, fourth, and fifth grades.  My students are gifted with learning disabilities.  If they did not have the support from me, they would not be able to succeed in a regular classroom.  Please do not cut the programs that are so vital for our children to soar.”

- Anne C. from 20853

“I urge you to not cut the funding for Montgomery County Schools.  As an employee of the county, and a single mother of 4 county students, I am in great need of a raise.  It’s been 3 years since I haven’t gotten a raise and everything else has gone up.  I don’t think that I will get by next year with this income and I am only a 10 month employee.  I’m speaking for all employees who have quietly been getting by with the current pay.  Any way  you can help with this is deeply appreciated.”

- Flor L. from 20853

“No more cuts!”

- Suzanne F. from 20853

“Please do not vote to cut any  more of the budget on the backs of our students! Instead, support our schools – financially and through your votes on the County Council.  Your constituents are watching closely.”

- Ann M. from 20853

“The National Association of Realtors says that to 75% of home shoppers, the quality and availability of schools in the neighborhood is either “somewhat important” or “very important.”

7 Neighbors That Can Hurt Your Home

by Brian O’Connell

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Yahoo Finance”

- Patricia W. from 20853

“Well, here I am grading and planning on my weekend, as usual; checked my email and normally would’ve just deleted this but figured you should know that I regularly work nights and weekends for our students. I am an excellent educator but am nearing my limit, at which point I’ll leave this field that I love after just 10 years as a special educator.”

- michelle m. from 20853

“With the need to emphasize and revitalize education in this country, why in the world would you want to cut education?”

- Harry R. from 20853

“You have a tough job to do but who are you fooling that the cuts won’t impact our children. The reductions in recent years already have and I don’t think you see that. What it appears you will do this year is cement in place a reverse of the achievement gains. From what I’m reading I think this years council actions will have a legacy of being the turning point to decline of our schools.”

- Don J. from 20866

“It takes a village to raise our kids.  In this case it takes a council – please fund our schools for our children’s sake.”

- Elaine J. from 20872

“My oldest son graduated in 2010.  He recieved an excellent education at Damascus High Shool.  I want the same quality of education for my others sons that are attending Damascus High School. My fear is that with the budget cuts their teachers will not be able to provide them with the same high quality education that my older son received.”

- Barbara M. from 20872

“Our children deserve the best  education. They are the future.”

- Randy K. from 20872

“Students need you to not cut education funding!”

- shannon d. from 20872

“Without quality programs in our schools the entire quality of life will decline in Montgomery County. Please fully fund MCPS!”

- Bill E. from 20872

“Education is the bedrock of our economy. It creates a quality & engaged citizenry. It is an important factor in assessing property values. And it prepares our next generation to lead.

My daughter is graduating from Northwest High School this year. I have a newborn son who will attend Montgomery County Public Schools. I am concerned that he will not receive the same quality education that my daughter did.

Maintenance of effort is a big reason why there was a rapid rise in student achievement in our county, not to mention a culture of collaboration between all stakeholders, including teachers, support staff, parents, MCPS leadership, & elected officials.

Paying a $29 million fine and gutting maintenance of effort may gain you platitudes with the editorial boards of local newspapers, but it hurts our children. It hurts our economy, &  it hurts our property values.

As a taxpayer, I have no interest in a race to the bottom. I want a top quality school system, and I expect you to do right by our children. Get a waiver so our county is not fined $29 milllion for failing to meet maintenance of effort. Increased enrollment and less funding is a recipe for failure. Your actions will decide the future of education in this county. I’d hate to think that our best years for our students are behind us.”

- Edward F. from 20874

“NO MORE CUTS!!!”

- Melinda H. from 20874

“Shame on you for balancing the budget on the backs of teachers! Who will pay for YOUR generous pensions and health benefits if you don’t educate the future of Maryland?”

- Jennifer B. from 20874

“Shame on you! Montgomery County teachers are the best and the brightest across the nation. Look at the data! Teachers in this county have masters degrees… yes plural! Many have more than one. Many teachers have a PhD. Teachers who work here stay here. Look at the data. What is the average length of time a teacher has been working in MCPS? It’s not a mystery why MCPS is #1 in the nation. We have the best people in the classrooms! Shame on you for wanting anything less. Of course classroom instruction will be impacted with less funding! How foolish to think otherwise. State monies should go to education and nothing else. Shame on you for wanting to hurt children.”

- JACKIE H. from 20877

“As an IDA, I am not sure you know what our job entails.  I have had my hours cut this year and I am trying to figure out all I do with less hours.

Please reconsider giving back our hours.

Thank you”

- Robin B. from 20878

“I can’t believe that the council believes that cutting teacher’s incomes will not effect students’ education. Do you really believe teachers will be able to keep up with the extensive planning they do outside the classroom when they are busy holding down second and third jobs in order to keep their family’s heads above water? I am already shocked at the impact “cost saving measures” have had in the special education services of the preschoolers I serve!  Classroom sizes for our most needy children have exploded in some locations due to the refusal of transportation to bus our children to a less crowded location (the previous standard of practice when classroom became crowded).

I understand that economic times are hard.  But pulling the rug out from under education is NOT the way to insure our future as a county!”

- Tamar T. from 20878

“If you value students and education, please put your money where your mouth is.

And if you think it is OK to raise class size, I invite any and all of you to teach for a week – or even two days, being sure to keep up with grading papers and projects between day 1 and day 2.  Come to a middle school or high school, where you will have over 150 tests, quizzes, papers, etc. to grade.  Walk a mile in our shoes, and see how much attention YOU can give to each students when 32 of them are raising their hands for help, or calling out your name.

Marilyn Schuman”

- Marilyn S. from 20878

“Let’s look into what corporations in MC are not paying their fair share of taxes instead of taking from education.”

- Janice R. from 20878

“Playing politics with our children’s future is wrong!  This attempt to force MCPS to make changes in our health benefit contributions because it is different than other Montgomery County employees is political posturing to make a statement of power and control.  Instead of working together rationally and collaboratively to do what is best for our citizens and our employees, the County Council is holding a “power grudge” against MCPS.  I urge you to look at the true facts and data, and not be swayed by politics.

And please remember to thank your mother for all the love she gave you so you could develop into the person you are today.”

- Sally M. from 20878

“Please do your part to support our children.  They need all of us.”

- Cindy K. from 20878

“What would your children say?”

- Lee B. from 20878

“For many children without adequate parenting at home teachers are the closest  to a mom they have. With the cuts being made, the extra time and effort teachers put in for our children will have to be redirected. Can we really afford what that will do for our community?”

- Sharon G. from 20879

“MCPS mission……

To provide a high-quality, world-class education that ensures success for every student through excellence in teaching and learning.

Is your plan for the budget in line with the support schools need to effectively and successfully integrate the core values that make our county mission possible?

Less funding does not equal better schools.”

- John N. from 20879

“Please do not cut the education funds!!!”

- Marti G. from 20879

“PLEASE find a way to fund our schools!”

- Beth B. from 20879

“Teachers have given their all to make MCPS one of the most high performing and respected school systems in the US.  In order to do that, we need and our students need to have the budget fully funded.”

- Mary B. from 20879

“My job is being cut by $10,000 next year and I support kids who need to be challenged in math.  Isn’t that what we are supposed to be doing to create the best learners in our society?”

- Gretchen A. from 20882

“Please make your mom proud and do the right thing for MCPS students.”

- Ruth d. from 20882

“Do what’s right.  Our future is not bright without these kids.  Teach them responsibility.  Show them we care…if you don’t, don’t expect them to know how to care for you in the future.”

- Meghan M. from 20886

“MCPS has an outstanding reputation and achieved national recognition. My children are a product of MCPS and have moved on to college and a good future thanks to your efforts. Let’s continue the commitment to all the children in Montgomery County.”

- Deborah A. from 20886

“We have to do all that we can do so that our kids can do better.  Our kids have needs, real needs.  We need to be able to help them.  Please help us!

I’m working very hard and using all that is accessible, please don’t take that away from us!”

- Mary Eu M. from 20886

“Please stop cutting education to pay for other things that don’t matter as much. The school system has shouldered more than it’s fair share of the burden already.”

- Christine S. from 20895

“My son hopes to move back to Montgomery County to raise his children so they can enjoy the education he received.  Please continue to fund our schools at an excellent level.”

- Cathy J. from 20901

“Please do the right thing by all the moms and children of Montgomery County. Don’t throw away the greatness county residents have built and invested in for so many years — our public school system. Without it, our property values or county’s future success and most of all it’s children will suffer.”

- Anna O. from 20901

“Please STOP cutting school money, our future children need the best education that they can get!!”

- regla w. from 20901

“As Montgomery County mothers, we shouldn’t just care about the children of mothers who contribute to political campaigns and belong to high tax brackets.  Think of ALL children and ALL the teachers who teach them!”

- Melissa P. from 20902

“I know you are faced with a very difficult situation, but our children literally are our future. Training, educating, developing the next generation; This has to be our first priority.”

- Stephen M. from 20902

“Our schools are our pride and joy. They shouldn’t play second fiddle in budget games. Enough with the political games!”

- Scot R. from 20902

“We did not become one of the premier counties in education  nationwide despite the MCPS employee.  We have that status because of them.  Please keep that in mind as priorities are set in this difficult time.”

- Claire D. from 20902

“On a personal note, my husband and I – both MCPS teachers – are moving to Howard County so that our son and daughter can benefit from a system that puts children first.  Furthermore, both are currently in private school because I refuse to place them in a system that categorizes children by the schools they attend (RED and GREEN zones).”

- Laura G. from 20904

“Please do the best you can to meet the requests for the education budget.    We are an outstanding school system partly because of the funds we have to spend on excitng materials, texts, and good teachers.”

- Faye J. from 20904

“The US has been a powerful country first because we were wealthy and then because we had the strongest military.  The next power will be the smartest.  You are sacrificing the future of our country.  Fund education to the max!”

- Lynn M. from 20904

“Please take the big-picture approach and keep our schools’ quality.”

- Chris D. from 20905

“Consider our future when deciding the fate of our schools!”

- Maggie C. from 20906

“Families and teachers and the future of our county need funding now.”

- M. A. B. from 20906

“The future of this county is in your hands right now.   Our children deserve the best that we can provide.  Please fully fund the mcps budget and give our children the best opportunity for success.  Thank you!!”

- Jim P. from 20906

“Education is the key in providing opportunity to children. By funding education you are investing in our future.”

- Emily T. from 20910

“Do the right thing to make every Mom proud!”

- Meg C. from 20912

“I am a parent of a MC 4th grader in a terrific school.  We are constantly in danger of losing those things that make our school so special — science lab, instrumental music..  please help us continue to develop well-rounded, smart, creative kids.  Thanks.”

- Patti M. from 20912

“Please heed this message!”

- karen m. from 20912

“So many of the wonderful programs in MCPS have already be cut or whittled away to the bare bones.  Further cuts would be devastating at this point.  Please do all that you can to preserve school funding.”

- Ellen D. from 20912

“Money needs to stay w education!”

- Joanie R. from 21043

“Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter,”

- Carmen S. from 21043

“Please think about out school system, it’s greatness and what lack of funding might do to it. We’ve come a long way, let’s not ruin something good.”

- Maria P. from 21045

“Please help our children get quality education that will give them competitive advantage in this global village.

Thank you.”

- Oluwasegun O. from 21207

“Being in the classroom every day, I see the value in the funding you provide.  In addition to this money, we spend valuable money out of our own pockets to support our students…not because we have to but because we want the best for each and every one of our students.  In school with a high population of students from low socioeconomic situations, I can can vouch for the need for each and every penny.  These students may not get everything they need at home but school should be a place where we level the playing field and give every child the opportunities to succeed.  Thank you so much for your consideration.”

- Liz W. from 21701

“I give up after 31.6 years you can find a new teacher to bully and threaten. I am tired of putting my personal life on whole bcause i have too much work to do that I am not given the time to complete at work. I am not talking about 60 min, 120 min more like 240 plus a day to get things done! After 9 hours a day on sight there is at least 2 to 3 housr at home a night. Good Luck finding someone who wants no life. Let me teach!!!! Not teach the testing!!!!”

- Laurel G. from 21701

“To the Members of the Montgomery County Council:

Once again, I am asking that you consider the positive impact that an excellent education for all of our students has on the entire county.  Allow me to remind you of some facts.

Fact #1.  Our outstanding school system has had a postive economic impact on the county by luring new business.  This is an area where people want to move, and have their children attend our schools.

Fact #2.  It has been proven that MCPS has managed it’s employee health benefit program much better than the county.  As a result, MCPS has been able to get more bang for their buck.  Please don’t threaten to punish the school system for holding down costs.

Last week was teacher appreciation week, and I received many notes of thanks from students and parents indicating the significant impact that my work had on their lives.  However, I am not feeling so appreciated by the leaders of this county especially when I hear about quiet deals to provide a pay increase for police officers, and read in the paper about the abuse of overtime pay by county employees.  I think to myself, wow, it must be nice to get paid for all of your overtime.

I work very hard for this county, and I go above and beyond to help students be successful.  I have not had a salary increase in three years.  The work I have done and continue to do deserves a fair and competitive wage, and I should not have to beg.  I am asking that you fund the BOE in such a way that allows them to reward highly qualified employees with competive wages and benefits.  We should not have to go backwards.  Thank you for your consideration in these matters and for the work that you do serving Montgomery County.”

- Jeff J. from 21793

“Maybe it would be better for MCPS to look at the waste in the schools.”

- Joyce P.

“Please continue to invest in the future of this great county. That future lies in the children in our schools today and tomorrow. They need your support through your support of their schools and their teachers.”

- Stephen S.

- Shirley D. from 20904

- Maggie T. from 20878

- Tony T. from 20878

- clemencia L. from 20906

- Antonia L. from 20910

- Elizabeth V. from 20905

- Harry K. from 20877

- Jesse W. from 20814

- Jessica C. from 20877

- Tara S. from 20706

- Julie D. from 20886

- Jennifer P. from 20879

- Kath C. from 20872

- Danielle H. from 20877

- Martha D. from 20906

- stephanie r. from 20902

- Lynda H. from 20833

- Lori R. from 20878

- Jay S. from 20853

- Karen M. from 20895

- Elissa R. from 20878

- Patrick O. from 20723

- Brenda A. from 20895

- Lisa F. from 20740

- Barbara L. from 20910

- Joan Z.

- Philippe S.

- Brian D. from 20871

- Robert C. from 20877

- James L. from 20817

- Matthew T. from 20886

- natalia b. from 20877

- Tanya M. from 20904

- Annette P. from 20832

- Linda S. from 20910

- Jennifer P. from 20886

- Shira S. from 20817