External Affairs & Advocacy
Follow and act on issues that affect Escuela Key and APS.
Your Escuela Key PTA is committed to advocating on behalf of Escuela Key to APS and the School Board. Current focus areas include: APS’s response to reductions in federal funds under the current administration and monitoring the APS budget (approved through FY26; next updates expected in spring 2026).
Academic Update APS Budget (FY24–FY26 Summary) Federal Funding Updates Share Your Voice Archive
- Subscribe to APS Engage updates: English / Español
- Questions or resources to share? Email commschair@keypta.org.
APS Academic Update Monitoring Report (September 18, 2025)
As part of its 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, APS staff prepares an annual Academic Update Monitoring Report. Your PTA encourages all parents to review the detailed information in the most recent report about APS students’ performance across various metrics, including at the Escuela Key level.
Source: APS Academic Update Monitoring Report — September 18, 2025.
APS Budget (FY24–FY26) — Summary & Next Steps
- Status: APS budget is approved through FY26. We expect the next community engagement and updates in spring 2026.
- Where to learn more now: See APS’s overview page for the FY24–FY26 budget: apsva.us/budget.
- What we’ll do: We’ll post timelines, summaries, and calls to action here as APS releases new information.
A call to action
Share concise, respectful messages about how funding impacts class sizes, specials, SEL, and the immersion model.
Federal Funding Updates (Fall 2025)
- APS is at risk of losing $23 million in federal funding after being designated a high-risk grantee by the U.S. Department of Education. If funds remain frozen, APS may need to cut programs and services that directly affect Escuela Key students. Read more.
- Potential impacts at Escuela Key: pressure on planning factors (e.g., specials staffing), larger class sizes, and supports like EL/DLI, special education, and counseling.
What we’re collecting from Escuela Key families
- Your concerns if APS funding is reduced. Think about nutrition services, dual language/EL supports, special education, counseling/SEL, class sizes, or other programs your student relies on.
- Short stories or examples (personal details optional) showing why these funds matter for your student/class.
- Willingness to speak up—privately or publicly (we can share anonymously if you prefer).
How to submit?
- Email Paula Cordero: president@keypta.org or
- Fill out the anonymous form: Open form
We’ll compile Escuela Key responses and share them with the Arlington County Council of PTAs (CCPTA) to help advocate for our students and community.
Archive: 2024–2025
Open archive
APS Budget 2024–2025 (Archived)
- Big picture: Higher costs + compensation; state funding shortfalls affected schools countywide.
- Specials staffing: Planning factor proposed Art/Music/PE at 1.6 FTE each for ~550 students (previously 2.0; then 2.2/2.2/2.0).
- Class size: Grades 1–5 methodology could push classes up to ~28 students.
- 80/20 DLI (K–1): Only 1 ELD teacher funded across K & 1 (requested: one per grade).
For all APS schools
- Pause changes to Art/Music/PE planning factors until a full study is complete.
- Adopt counselor ratio 1:250 (vs. 1:325 for K–5).
Specific to Escuela Key
- Reassess enrollment projections.
- Avoid maximally filled classes; protect SEL & academics.
- Retain experienced immersion teachers; avoid surplusing.
- Allot 2.0 FTE counselors.
Escuela Key & Claremont
- Fund 2.0 ELD teachers for K & 1 (80/20 DLI model).
