Posted By: Paul R. Butler, M.D.
The OSB has a lengthy agenda for 5/7/07 including action item #10, a vote on the expansion of the Montessori program to Middle School. As you know the current Montessori program is NOT financially viable and competes with our traditional school programs for scarce district resources. If you have any question whether this is so, please review the objective financial data at
http://TruthAboutOkemosMontessori.org
The current Montessori program costs the district $1.66 million annually. Montessori provides only $730,000 in additional annual revenues. Therefore the Montessori program drains the district of $930,000 each year, about 14% of the total technology bond request.
In these challenging financial times our district cannot afford the current Montessori program let alone an expansion of this program to the Middle School. Why has Montessori not been the subject of financial scrutiny as the board has considered other possible budget cuts? Why are we considering expanding this non-mandated program when the funding for programs in our traditional curriculum is threatened?
Monday's OSB meeting appears to be a critical crossroads for our district. Consider attending to tell the OSB that Okemos Kids and our traditional curriculum should be our top priorities, not school of choice and Montessori. It is the least you can do for your children in the traditional programs at OPS.
Paul R. Butler, M.D.