Statement from BTU President, Marietta English on Baltimore Sun Article from 02/18/15: "City schools face $60 million deficit even without state cuts"
Baltimore, MD- Baltimore City's impending budget deficit is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Any suggestion that the teacher contract is in large part responsible for the school system's deficit is not earnest on its face.
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It's one thing to work to get officials elected; it's another to lobby them for action. In an effort to lobby their elected representatives, AFT-Maryland took to Annapolis on February 9th to let State Delegates and Senators know just how they felt about a number of issues.
Charter schools play an important role in public education in Baltimore City. One main reason why Maryland ranks so high when it comes to education is because we have charter schools that work. Maryland has consistently high public school rankings in large part because of our strong charter school law.
Governor Hogan's proposed budget cuts to education would be a catastrophe--especially to Baltimore City. Under the Governor's budget, Baltimore City Public Schools would be cut by $35.5 million dollars, or nearly 4%-- the largest cut by dollars or by percentage of any jurisdiction in the state.
In Baltimore City, a $35.5 million cut could mean:
Are state workers not Maryland families? Governor Hogan said Maryland families have been tightening their belts, but his new budget makes state workers tighten them even more. Under the Governor's budget, well deserved and long overdue Cost of Living increases will be taken back by the State.
AFT-Maryland President Marietta English's statement on Gov. Larry Hogan's proposed cuts to Baltimore City School System.
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2015
Contact: Ray Baker
(410) 764-3030