Burton PTA Plans Postcard-Writing Campaign to Protest Proposed Budget Cuts

The PTA is calling all community members to join in a postcard-writing campaign Wednesday to protest Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed education budget cuts.

The event will run from 3-5 p.m. on the plaza side of the building, where tables will be set up and pre-printed postcards provided. In the case of inclement weather, the tables will be moved inside. The PTA will mail the cards to the appropriate state lawmakers.

Those who would like to participate but can't make it to the event can e-mail Burton PTA President Lauren Hirsch at lsnirsch@yahoo.com for a list of lawmakers and a postcard template. Completed postcards can be sent to school with kids Wednesday morning.

The governor's proposal, coupled with increased costs for health care and retirees, could cost the Berkley School District approximately $1,000 per pupil. Superintendent Michael Simeck has warned that could mean the elimination of programs, fewer teachers and larger class sizes.

"The Berkley program overall would certainly be devastated, if not decimated, if forced to absorb these cuts," Deputy Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations Larry Gallagher warned during .

"Please come and join in our effort!" Hirsch said in an e-mail Tuesday. "If we do not work together to prevent Gov. Snyder's budget cuts, our schools, our communities and (most importantly) our children will lose."