A number of people have been asking what Towson Families United plans to do next, now that a new elementary school has been approved for Towson. 

The first thing we're going to do is stay together.  Our group, more than 500 strong, has been incredibly effective.  We've united people from different parts of Towson who might never have known one another.  We've put their talents to work.  And together, we've made a difference.

But there is still a lot to be done.

We're going to be closely following the plans for the new school on the grounds of Ridge Ruxton.  Some have questioned whether the $18 million the county executive has set aside is enough to build a new school.  If it isn't, we'll have to press the county executive to find the money to build it.

We're going to be aggressively pushing the school system for a solution to the remaining 400+ elementary school seats we need in Towson.  Remember, this new school is just part one of a three-part plan the school system envisions.  What are the other two parts?  They haven't said yet.

We're also expanding our horizons a bit and looking toward the future.

We've been meeting with parents who are advocating for a new high school to be built in the northeast corridor of the county, which would alleviate the overcrowding at Towson, Perry Hall and Loch Raven high schools.  The county executive is trying to get away with a 400-seat addition to Loch Raven, instead of the new high school the Board of Education approved.  (Sound familiar?)

We're also exploring what can be done to get the school system thinking about another middle school for our community. We're hoping by now they have figured out that our overflowing elementary schools will be turning into overflowing middle schools before you know it.

We hope you will continue to stay a part of Towson Families United.  We're going to need your help in coming months and years.  And while we may not be contacting you as often, please know we're still working to make sure our community gets the attention it deserves from county government, particularly after so many years of neglect.   We'll continue to update our blog -- www.towsonfamiliesunited.com/blog -- as developments occur.  So check back periodically.

And if you weren't able to attend last week's big Board of Education meeting, you can watch video highlights on our blog at www.towsonfamiliesunited.com/blog.  You won't believe how distrustful the Board was of BCPS officials.  Things got rather heated.

I'd like to personally thank you for all your support and kinds words in recent days.  And yes, if you want to take down the "451" signs for now, go ahead.  Just be ready to put them back up if things change.

Sincerely,
Cathi Forbes
Chairperson