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## Council Delegates

First off, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District administrators are thrilled that the Oct. 25 bond election was approved (more than 70 percent voted in favor!), and they would like to thank everyone who helped publicize the election and all those who voted. District Superintendent Dr. Annette Griffin said the $300 million in bond funds will be used to improve school facilities, update technology at schools, and finance new school buses throughout the district. Your kids will benefit soon!
Unfortunately, Dr. Griffin says the school district still expects a big budget shortfall next year because of declining property values and property taxes. This deficit will affect the schools' maintenance and operating budget (largely used for staff salaries). Much of the district's revenue is taken by the state goverment via the "Robin Hood" plan, and many districts in Texas are now suing to reclaim their lost funds, as well as lobbying the state to come up with a more equitable funding plan for schools throughout the state. But until a better plan comes along, many districts are facing budget cuts.
To close the budget gap, the CFBISD Board of Trustees is considering a variety of cutbacks for 2004-2005. An online survey to gauge residents' opinions on the issue is available at the district's Web site: www.cfbisd.edu/. Check it out!
In other news, Kristin Eoff and Sounjalynne Mata are still collecting clothes, books, CDs, videotapes and audiotapes for the PTA Clothes Closet and its Used Book Sale (Feb. 19-22). Please bring your donations to our next PTA meeting. Questions? Call Kristin at (972) 417-0088. The Clothes Closet particularly needs new underwear and new or used school uniforms. So far, the closet has provided clothing to 37 families and 114 children this school year alone!
Upcoming events:
Dec. 2: Free session on "Today's Child, Tomorrow's Parent." Montgomery Primary School, 2807 Amber in Farmers Branch. 8 to 9:30 a.m. Child care available without reservations. Info.: (972) 323-2866.
Dec. 8: Clothes Closet work day. 9:30 to noon.
Dec. 22-Jan. 5: CFBISD winter break.
Jan. 12: Clothes Closet work day. 9:30 to noon.
Jan. 12: Free parent-education class on "Girl Wise." Noon to 1 p.m. at the Technology Learning Center, Room 208. No child care.
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King birthday. No school.
Jan. 26: Clothes Closet work day. 9:30 to noon.
Feb. 5: Free parenting workshop on "Today's Child, Tomorrow's Parent." Central Elementary School, 1600 S. Perry in Carrollton. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Child care available at (972) 323-2866.

## Bunco

Geraldine Leondike (972) 394-8127
Bunco is a fun and easy dice game with no prior experience required! We always need subs! If you'd like to sign up for the sub list please give me a call!

## Playgroups

Doan Ngo (972) 242-9518
Do your kids need new playmates? Do you want to chat with other moms? The PTA has ongoing playgroups that you can join. Please contact Doan Ngo at (972) 242-9518 or ngodtrang@yahoo.com if you need more information or if you are interested in joining a group or starting a new one.
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