April 16th, 2004

Dear Harrison Parents and Community,

   As you are aware, the education fund referendum to increase the rate by 45 cents was unsuccessful on March 16, 2004. We are disappointed that it was not successful, but are encouraged by the fact that we were within nine votes of success. There were 525 votes in favor and 534 against. Since the voting was so close, the Citizens' Referendum Committee petitioned for a recount/discovery process. The recount/discovery process took place at the County Clerks office on April 12th, 2004. After the discovery process occurred, it appeared that there was no evidence to seek legal action to reverse the results of the election. Instead, the committee plans to concentrate on the next Harrison School referendum effort that could be in November of 2004.

   As a result of the unsuccessful referendum and in order to keep from continuing the spiral of deficit spending the Harrison School Board has instituted the following cuts/reductions in programs, services, and supplies and materials for the summer of 2004 and for the 2004/2005 school year: kindergarten teacher assistant position eliminated; librarian position eliminated with no student use of the library; gifted teacher position eliminated; remedial math teacher eliminated; all sports programs eliminated including boys and girls basketball, track and field, and girls volleyball; all extracurricular activities are eliminated including band, chorus, Impact Club, drama club, environmental club, academic team, spelling bee, student council, Young Authors, 7th & 8th grade sponsors, detentions, and yearbook; all summer school programs are eliminated including remedial, art enrichment, and Jump-Start: purchase of new textbooks is eliminated, social worker and occupational therapist hours are reduced, hearing and vision screenings will only be for those students required by law: and art, music, technology, elementary, special education and science supplies and materials are reduced. These are all very dramatic program cuts and changes that will impact our students and the quality of their education.

   Because the vote was unsuccessful by only nine votes, the Citizens' Referendum Committee and the Harrison School board of Education are very confident that this community will rally behind Harrison School and its children. This community has shown that it continues to value education and the quality programs and services in place for students at Harrison School. The next Citizens' Referendum Committee meeting will be held on Monday, May 10th at 7:00 PM at Harrison School. Hope to see you there.