Dear Brown School Families,

I am writing to share an important update regarding our budget for the upcoming school year and what it means for our school community. Transparency is important to me, and I want you to hear directly from me about the challenges we are facing and how they may impact student experiences.

For next school year, J. Graham Brown is receiving a projected budget reduction totaling $862,684. As a result of this reduction, we are currently anticipating the need to overstaff at least seven teachers due to the elimination of middle school teams funding and the removal of academic instructional coaches. These changes create significant instructional challenges and will have a real impact on how we are able to structure the school day.

Specifically, middle school students may experience shorter instructional blocks in math and literacy. Additionally,  we are considering the potential elimination of some related arts classes that will affect students across all grade levels. These are not decisions we take lightly; they affect both academic growth and the well-rounded experiences we believe are essential for children.

In addition to instructional impacts, several positions have already been eliminated through the allocations approved at last night's board meeting, including School Safety Administrators and Ordering and Receiving Clerks. Equity funding has also been reduced, which provides instructional support in our Ursa Innovation Lab, a key component of our SDL magnet theme where students engage in hands-on, project-based learning. Funding for our school security monitor has been reduced as well, and we are continuing to assess how to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. Unfortunately, additional positions may be at risk for elimination in order to maintain one school security monitor as we work to preserve appropriate levels of security in our building.

I want to be very clear; when we receive our official budget in the coming weeks, our School Budget Committee will work diligently to minimize the impact of these reductions on students and to protect what matters most at J. Graham Brown. We are advocating, planning, and problem-solving with student learning, safety, and belonging at the center of every conversation.

I know this information may be difficult to hear, and I understand the concerns it may raise. Please know that I am committed to keeping families informed as decisions are made and to continuing to advocate for the resources our students deserve.

Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support of our school community.

Love,

Dr. Angela

• 1/23 - 5th Gr Field Trip to Biztown

• 2/13 - Black Career Expo

• ❗️2/16 - No School for Teacher Training

• ❗️2/17 - No School Student Led Conference Day

• 2/19 - Spring Portraits

• 2/20 - Black History Wax Museum, Black History Parade, Black History 

• 3/9 to 4/17 - Spring MAP Testing (Math & Reading) 

• 3/20 - SDL Showcase - Student Presentation (All Grades)