To the Journal editor:
Recently, the MAPS Board voted "to stop funding Community Schools with the exception of Credit Recovery and GED Testing for 2012-2013." This action specifically eliminates community enrichment classes.
If the board wants to pass a bond or millage issue, you are being shortsighted. The MAPS district is more than kindergarten through high school.
Adult and Community Education affects hundreds of taxpayers of all ages annually who benefit from enrichment classes that truly enhance the Marquette community.
MAPS is supported by taxpayers. The Adult and Community Education Program is a miniscule part of the district's budget, but the classes affect numerous seniors and those without children in school. For example, 81 percent of the households in the City of Marquette alone do not have children 18 years old or younger. If this board expects strong support from the community, be mindful of the steps you are taking.
Community enrichment classes, especially given the current fiscal environment, could be self-supporting. This board should provide the structure and support to allow Adult and Community Education to be a deficit-neutral enhancement to our community. A task force could assist to address this issue thoughtfully during this next year.
Given the unbelievable subsidies of other programs, this administration and board would be well advised to review eliminating Community Schools, and instead make it a self-sustaining integral part of our community.
Nancy (Wiseman) Seminoff
Marquette