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Parents and students press board not to cut TAG program proposed in budget plan
Summary
Administration proposed eliminating one TAG (talented-and-gifted) FTE to save roughly $64,000; more than a dozen parents, students and the district gifted coordinator urged the board to preserve the program, describing educational and social benefits and warning of enrollment impacts.
The board considered a proposed elimination of one talented-and-gifted teacher position as part of the district’s deficit‑correction plan. Administrators said eliminating a TAG FTE would save about $64,000 and would not change core instruction, but could create space through attrition to absorb other staffing changes.
Multiple patrons — students, parents and the district’s gifted coordinator, Laura Sandis — urged the board to keep TAG. "Gifted programs foster creativity and encourage these kids to think outside the box," Sandis said, describing the program’s two‑decades-plus history in the district and arguing that TAG supports military families and enrichment opportunities. Student speakers described the program as critical to their motivation and academic engagement; one student said TAG helped him prepare for a state math contest and ‘‘builds teamwork.’’
Administrators acknowledged the community view and said the proposals were preliminary; they stressed the need to close the budget gap while seeking alternatives. The board did not take a final vote on the program at the meeting.
