Speak Out on Pasco's School Budget

Pasco County School Board members want to hear from Land O’ Lakes residents as the clock ticks down for them to set a budget for the 2013-14 school year.

To get input from parents, students and others in the community, the board is playing host to a series of town hall meetings. The meetings are designed to give residents a chance to ask questions and share their suggestions.

This is the first year in recent budget cycles board members won’t host an in-person meeting in Land O’ Lakes. That meeting is being replaced by an online session that takes place at the end of the month.

The district is once again facing a multimillion dollar budget shortfall as it heads into next year. Estimates put that shortfall at about $23 million. The number has caused the district to implement a hiring freeze  and it’s also discussed a number of cuts, including eliminating media specialist positions .

The first town hall meeting is set for Wednesday, May 22 at Seven Springs Middle School, 2441 Little Road in New Port Richey. This meeting takes place in the school cafeteria and will be led by Board Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong.

Other upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, May 28 - Hudson High School mini-theater, 14410 Cobra Way, Hudson. Board member Steve Kuikart will led the meeting.
• Wednesday, May 29 - Virtual Town Hall Meeting – This online meeting is being co-hosted by board members Allen Altman and Joanne Hurley.
• Thursday, May 30 - River Ridge Middle/High School cafeteria, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey. Alison Crumbley, the board’s vice-chairwoman, will lead the session.

The virtual town hall meeting will air live on Brighthouse Channel 614 and Verizon Channel 40. The district will also stream it live. will air live on the district’s television station, PETV, Brighthouse channel 614 and Verizon channel 40.  The meeting will be streamed live at: http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/communications/videostream.

Have Questions?

Residents who plan to take part in the virtual town hall meeting can submit questions in advance by visiting the district’s website  and clicking on the “Budget Town Hall Meetings” link. Residents can also call 813-602-1887 or 352-363-1887.

What do you think Land O’ Lakes? How should the district make cuts to its budget? Tell us by commenting below.

Keep up with all things local by signing up for the  Land O’ Lakes Patch daily email newsletter.