Parents raise money to save one teacher, two others cut
Updated: February 19, 2013
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY -- Parents of Prairieview Ogden students saved one of their teachers from being let go. Last month we introduced you to Lonna Pruitt, who was collecting money. The community has stepped up and it's paying off.
They're Taking Action to keep class sizes small at their schools. Two other full-time teachers were given pink slips at the latest school board meeting. Parents at PVO said they're going to do whatever they can to keep them in the district.
First grade students in Laura Kelly's class are learning to count money. It's a lesson their school leaders already know. The board had to subtract $290,000 from next year's budget. But then got to add $63,350 back.
"It's exciting to go and get my mail these days because there's been literally a check almost every day that has come in," said Pruitt.
That money was donated by people in and around Royal; a small town with a big heart.
"The community itself, all the people who gave the money, now realize what we were trying to do and it worked," said Pruitt.
Pruitt's son is in Mrs. Kelly's class. So when she heard about the budget crunch, she started spreading the word, the district needs help. They were able to save Mrs. Kelly's job at least for one more year.
"I'm really excited and I'm just grateful that through the donations of the community it was able to work out that way," said Kelly.
Superintendent Victor White said many other districts around the state are in the same boat.
"The legislators prorated our general state aid from 100% to 89%," said White. "Eleven percent is huge."
But that's why they're grateful for a community which supports its schools.
"If we could still raise enough money to get those teachers back, that would be the ultimate goal," said Pruitt.
The district will be making other cuts as well. Students in grades K through 6 won't have music or computer classes next year. And the fifth grade classes will be combined. But Pruitt said she's planning events to try to bring in more money for the schools.
If you want to help, you can contact Pruitt at lldsgn2@aol.com or (217) 841 - 1799 to make a donation. You can also bring donations directly to the school.
Related link
They're Taking Action to keep class sizes small at their schools. Two other full-time teachers were given pink slips at the latest school board meeting. Parents at PVO said they're going to do whatever they can to keep them in the district.
First grade students in Laura Kelly's class are learning to count money. It's a lesson their school leaders already know. The board had to subtract $290,000 from next year's budget. But then got to add $63,350 back.
"It's exciting to go and get my mail these days because there's been literally a check almost every day that has come in," said Pruitt.
That money was donated by people in and around Royal; a small town with a big heart.
"The community itself, all the people who gave the money, now realize what we were trying to do and it worked," said Pruitt.
Pruitt's son is in Mrs. Kelly's class. So when she heard about the budget crunch, she started spreading the word, the district needs help. They were able to save Mrs. Kelly's job at least for one more year.
"I'm really excited and I'm just grateful that through the donations of the community it was able to work out that way," said Kelly.
Superintendent Victor White said many other districts around the state are in the same boat.
"The legislators prorated our general state aid from 100% to 89%," said White. "Eleven percent is huge."
But that's why they're grateful for a community which supports its schools.
"If we could still raise enough money to get those teachers back, that would be the ultimate goal," said Pruitt.
The district will be making other cuts as well. Students in grades K through 6 won't have music or computer classes next year. And the fifth grade classes will be combined. But Pruitt said she's planning events to try to bring in more money for the schools.
If you want to help, you can contact Pruitt at lldsgn2@aol.com or (217) 841 - 1799 to make a donation. You can also bring donations directly to the school.
Related link
