83/17/2011 4:24 4192857838 SJOHNOLSZEWSKT PAGE 82 March 10, 2011 Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent Department of Education 6901 N. Charles Street Court House Towson, Maryland 21204 Towson, Maryland 21204 410-887-3196 Dear Dr. Hairston: Fax: 410-887-579) As you are aware, we are wrestling with an issue of vital importance to our community groups, rac councils, events organizations, etc. The recent decision by the Baltimore County School Board to alter its long-standing policy regarding the use of school facilities by various groups and organizations Is not sitfing well with the dedicated volunteers who are involved. Tom Quirk FIRST BISTRICT State law authorizes each County School Board to allow and encourage the use of school faclities for community purposes. In-our opinion, this is a sensible law. Vicki Almond Pa Our local organizations such as PTA, scouting, crafts fairs, rec councls and community associations, to mention a few, provide a valuable Todd Hal | service to our communities. All of these groups depend on the use of schoo! facilities to implement their programs. We ail benefit greatly from what this offers to our children, community residents and sports programs, This use of school facilities immeasurably enriches our way of life in Kenneth N. Oliver | Baltimore County. Fount DISTRICT ‘The County Council is limited in its power to legislate or set policy for the Board, but we question why the Board would not adhere to state THIRD DISTRICT ene pene law that encourages the use of school facilities. In addition, we question the wisdom of a rule that jimits access to school facilites for these groups that enhance the overall well being of our communities. These are folks Cathy Bevins who mentor our children, add to the funding of schoo! projects, address SINTH DISTRICT community issues, and provide sports programs that benefit our youth in so many ways, Dedicated volunteers are teaching our children valuable life lessons, many times their services provide extensions of schoo! John Olscowste, Sr programs. Scout leaders, coaches and all others who devote their time Rann are role models for our youth. Lean e Furthermore, the very things that add to the spirit and patriotism of Legare counesill (| ‘a community such as parades, fairs and various celebrations are being SECRETARY curtailed and limited because of a ruling that makes access to school facilties almost impossible. We cannot see the benefit; we only see the detriment to volunteer groups when roadbiocks are put up to keep them from carrying out the good work they do. Itis a spirit killer! If there is an issue with outside organizations making a profit at the expense of volunteer groups holding events, then that issue should be a point of discussion, but it is not advantageous to anyone to enforce 2 blanket policy covering all events.3 83/17/2011 84:24 = 4182857828 JOHNOLSZEWSKT PAGE @: You have stated that this issue will once again be discussed at the March 19, 2011 Board of Education Retreat. You have also sald that there has been an ongoing dialogue among members of your staff and community stakeholders to address the concems. From what wo have heard from the various stakeholders, thoy are very disheartened by what they have leamed. We suggest there needs to he some serious discussion and soul searching about this issue. We are concemed for the morale and willingness of those citizens who tind it in their hearts to provide services and programs to our families and schools. We know the Board members will give this issue serous consideration and will make the right decision, Please keep us apprised of the Board's decision Sincerely, Lgl S. ‘airman, County“Council JO:dp dr, hairston.wpd ce: Councilmembers