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To the Berkeley Community, 

We have a 60-year-old legacy at BHS, and we may be throwing it away.  

A budget crisis is not an excuse for poor policy decisions. A financial crisis should be managed with cuts that we can recover from when we have a better financial situation rather then solving it with cuts which will leave our programs crippled for life. 

There are many things about BHS that could stand improvement, there is no doubt about that, but there are also great things at BHS. We have a great diversity of offerings for our students, some world class teachers and some compelling programs. We have a science program that provides outstanding results, not only for the elite student but for students at all levels. 

“My seriously at-risk son found himself as a student in double period science. He learned to do homework, built study habits and started getting As in double period science. Before this class, he was headed in the wrong direction.” -Parent of a Sophomore 

We held a public forum on February 21, 2002, sponsored by the PTA Council to discuss the affects of budget cuts on the high school. We drafted a document which represents the consensus of the forum, which you will find below. 

This document goes beyond complaining about the drastic cuts that are being made and provides a real, reasonable way in which we can save actual dollars, provide more options for our students and compromise the science program without destroying the great value it provides — opportunity for all the students and a little extra help for those who are struggling. 

The current cuts will affect the science program disproportionately and cut about 25% of our science teachers at the high school. If you survey all the districts in the country and ask them what their biggest recruiting challenge is, they will tell you that it is math and science teachers.  

We have some of the finest science teachers and we are thinking about firing them and dismantling a program with a 60 year track record for success with all students, not just the best and brightest. 

You can help.  

Here are a few suggestions: 

1. Add your name to those who support the proposal. If you have web access, simply to to www.berkeleypta.org, read the proposal and send in your response. You can also send email to ddm@well.com with your name, who you are (such as “parent with an 8th grader at King” or “community member”) and that you support the proposal. (If you do not have web access, you can call Derick Miller and leave a message with the same information (510)848-4000, but if possible, please use email). 

2. Write your opinion and publish it or send a copy to ddm@well.com. 

3. Talk to your friends and associates with children in the district and convince them that it is important to take action. 

4. Come to the board of education meeting on February 27, 2002 at the Old City Hall in the City Council Chambers and express your opinion. I suggest arriving between 7 and 7:15. Request and submit a "green card" for an opportunity to speak. Speakers are allowed 3 minutes. 

Our children's educational opportunities are being compromised and there are only a couple days in which to act. 

Derick Miller 

President 

Berkeley PTA Council