External Affairs & Advocacy
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Follow and act on issues that affect Escuela Key and APS.
Short overviews, key dates, and how to engage. Updated as APS posts new info.
Stay informed & get involved
- Subscribe to APS Engage updates: English / Español
- Questions or resources to share? Email commschair@keypta.org.
APS Budget 2024–2025
Quick Notes
- Big picture: Higher costs + compensation; state funding remains short → reductions impact Escuela Key.
- Specials staffing: Planning factor would set Art/Music/PE at 1.6 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) each for ~550 students (previously 2.0; current: 2.2/2.2/2.0), reducing flexibility to cover needs like English Language Development (ELD).
- Class size: Grades 1–5 methodology could push classes up to ~28 students (depending on grade).
- 80/20 DLI (K–1): Only 1 ELD teacher funded across K & 1 (requested: one per grade).
Escuela Key PTA asks
For all APS schools
- Pause changes to Art/Music/PE planning factors until the full study is complete.
- Adopt counselor ratio 1:250 (vs. current 1:325 for K–5).
Specific to Escuela Key
- Reassess enrollment projections.
- Avoid maximally filled/overfilled 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).
Context & revenue picture
- Most revenue from state/county; Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) finds VA underfunds K–12 vs. national/regional averages.
- State scenarios differ (proposed cuts vs. Senate adds); gap remains even after APS reductions.
- County tax-rate and final state actions determine remaining shortfall.
- See APS slides/docs for exact figures and latest scenarios.
A call to action
Share concise, respectful messages about how the proposal affects your student, class sizes, SEL, and the immersion model.
Middle School Boundaries & Immersion Relocation
POSTPONED UNTIL FALL 2024 2023 process & Spanish Immersion relocation proposal.
Status
At the June 29 School Board Work Session, staff shared a proposal to relocate the Middle School Spanish Immersion Program from Gunston to Kenmore for 2025–26. If approved, currently enrolled immersion students would remain in immersion and transfer to Kenmore when it moves.
How to share feedback
- ThoughtExchange: Share input on the relocation. Open
- Email APS: engage@apsva.us
Useful resources
- APS hub for 2023 MS boundaries & immersion relocation: View site
- Immersion community Q&A with APS responses: Read
- Escuela Key community Q&A with APS responses: Read
- APS FAQ on pre-CIP report: Read
- Transfer report (homeschool assignments): Open
Timeline (selected)
- Jun 29, 2023: Work Session (pre-CIP) — Slides | Recording
- Jul 31, 2023: Community Table #1 — Slides | Rec 1 | Rec 2
- Aug 22, 2023: Community Table #2 (in person) — Kenmore MS
- Fall 2023: Sep 5 (CT #3, virtual); Sep 26 (SB Work Session); Oct 12 (Info Item); Oct–Nov (sessions); Nov 27 (Public Hearing); Dec 14 (Vote)
- Fall 2024: Middle School Info Night
- Fall 2025: School begins with new boundaries/program moves
*Dates subject to change.
Questions?
Email external-affairs@keypta.org and we’ll help route or compile community feedback.
