Girl, 11, Asks Obama To Help With Local School Crisis
Orange County Schools Face $150M Budget Shortfall
POSTED: Wednesday, March 4, 2009
UPDATED: 10:24 am EST March 4,
2009
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A letter written by an 11-year-old Orlando student asking President Barack Obama to "do your duty ... and do what you promised -- a better economy" will be presented to the president, according to a Central Florida congressman.
Conway Elementary School student Sophia Muina wrote the letter as part of a "Save Our Schools" campaign, a program designed with the intent of getting the attention of lawmakers who are considering massive budget cuts to education.
Orange County is considering several options, including eliminating teaching positions and athletics, in an attempt to cut $150 million from next school year's budget.
A rally organized by the PTA was held at Conway Elementary School Tuesday night, where parents and students wrote more letters to lawmakers.
"Dear President Obama, I'm an 11 year old girl living in Orlando. Life here was good, until the economy got worse," Muina wrote. "My school and education is important for me, and so are my parents' jobs. I like the job my dad and mom has. My mom works in the school and her job is in danger. I'm worried with my just my dad's job life will get hard. So please help everyone, including my mom, in this recession. Please do your duty as president, and do what you promised your people -- a better economy. Sincerely, Sophia Muina."
Muina's letter was received at the office of U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, who said he plans to deliver it to the president.
"We are very worried about (the cuts). They talk about eliminating some special classes like music and art. What can we expect from our kids in the future?" Muina's dad, Hiosavany, said.
An Orange County School Board meeting was also held on Tuesday, where cuts to magnet schools and board member salaries were discussed. No decisions were made on the issues.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
Copyright 2009 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and
Local6.com.
All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten
or redistributed.