Two letters (dated March 12 and March 15) that the LSAT sent to Instructional Superintendent William Wilhoyte reflect that view.
Most recently, the LSAT met on Monday, April 4. At that meeting, Principal Ellis presented the budget she had submitted on March 18. The budget includes a half-time social worker and a half-time counselor. Many Murch parents attended the meeting and participated in the discussion, sharing their concerns with the Principal about reducing the counselor to 1/2 time.
At the conclusion of the budget discussion, Principal Ellis committed to:
- Contacting Lafayette Elementary to discuss their budget submission for two counselors to see if Murch could use a similar rationale and resubmit the budget
- Calling Chancellor Henderson to see how the Murch HSA can make an advance payment through DCPS which would cover a portion of non-personnel services in the school budget (i.e. supplies). The payment would equal the amount needed to cover the remaining half of the counselor position next year. Such an advance payment for supplies would enable the Principal to shift funds in the school budget to restore the counselor to a full-time position.