Emma Brown (The Washington Post) reported today that parents of students attending the DCPS’ Fillmore Arts Center have begun protesting massive budget cuts:
A group of D.C. parents and community activists have mounted a protest against proposed budget cuts that they say will undermine a long-standing arts program that serves thousands of city kids….
But a $300,000 cut to next year’s proposed budget has forced Principal Katherine Latterner to turn four of five full-time teaching positions into part-time, hourly jobs. Parents say those changes means experienced and beloved Fillmore teachers will leave, and the center will not be able to offer the same continuity and richness that has helped make it an arts cornerstone for kids.
More than 1,000 people have signed an online petition urging D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson to restore $300,000 in funding, and Fillmore supporters were busy gathering more signatures Friday at the center’s annual spring show.
