This link to an Orlando Sentinel blog post written by Erika Hobbs was sent to me by United Arts. Take a look at a few ways some Orlando kids will be affected by a $125 million budget cut. Think about this before you read it: how can we in the arts and creative community replace some of these programs ourselves?"The board moved to end sending children to special field trips sponsored by Biz Kids, Mead Garden Environmental Education Center, and United Arts to save more than $882, 690. Curriculum Director Judy Cunningham described those programs this way: "They are aligned with curriculum," " very relevant real-world experiences," and "bridge the gap to experiences they might not otherwise have."Biz Kids is a little shop in Fashion Square Mall that gives kids work experience. Mead Garden teaches kids about invasive species, water erosion, and other issues. United Arts exposes kids to ballet, theater and other culturally rich events.
The district has 7 programs, with nearly 5,900 students in them. Nearly 1,300 live out of the school’s zone, and are bused in. This cuts 16 buses from the roads at a savings of $800,000. The programs won’t go away, but it’s not clear which, if any, would be threatened. Member Nancy Robbinson said the three principals of magnets in her district assured her the program wouldn't go away. Tildenville's program, has 180 kids who could take the bus and 100 who do -- Christine Moore, who represents the area, does fear the language program there could shut down. The district does not provide busing at the middle- and high-school level.
It costs more than $14,200 per student tokeep Hungerford Prep open. OCPS gets only about $6,900 per child from the state. The district phased out this magnet school in 2007 after years of declining enrollment. Next year, only 71 seniors would be left on campus. Closing it saves $1.5 million. The district said it can ensure the kids will continue their programs at other schools, and ensure the kids will get their certifications in specified areas, as well. Kat Gordon is the only one who opposed the measure."
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