Even before this week's hearing on the Carroll County Public Schools' upcoming budget, parents are already gathering forces to combat some of the proposed cuts.

That's because in the $331 million fiscal 2011 budget's preliminary round, CPS Superintendent Dr. Charles Ecker has proposed cutting indoor track and ninth-grade sports programs.

The school system will host its first public hearing 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27, in Room 007 at the Board of Education offices, 125 N. Court St., Westminster.

The budget will not be adopted until at least Feb. 24, after two hearings.

Liberty High School Athletic Boosters organization is attempting an "organized advocacy campaign" against the sports-related cuts and to suggest alternatives to eliminating programs said Joy Gill, president of the Liberty High School's Athletic Boosters.

"I think that we are aware that we're in an economic crunch here, but at the same time, we have some questions about, is this the best way to approach those (cuts), because obviously we want to preserve our athletic programs for all of our students," Gill said.

The county had 409 track athletes last year, according to the school system. The program was also cut in 1981, then reinstated in 1997, according to documents posted by the school system detailing the cuts.

The organization has posted surveys for students and parents and a petition online at www.libertyathletics.com. Gill said she and the boosters are more interested in ideas and suggestions to save the programs.

The petition was activated Jan. 15, and as of Jan. 20 had 1,466 signatures, Gill said.

She said she plans to publish the results on libertyathletics.com as well as share the information at the public hearing.

"The purpose of the survey is really to test the waters of what do people think of reasonable remedies," she said.

For instance, the survey asks if and how much would parents be willing to pay increased gate an athletic fees.

Chris Hartlove, director of administrative services for the school system, said indoor track is proposed to be cut due to safety reasons and that track is offered in other seasons.

"One of the things we don't have is a facility for students to run in," he said. "So when the elements are out there, we end up running in the halls, potentially running into staff members or other students."

Hartlove also noted that track is offered both indoor and outdoor -- and there is also cross-country, he said, providing students other opportunities.

"Track is the only sport we have multiple seasons," he said.

Freshmen sports are proposed to be cut because athletes have chances to play on junior varsity teams, he said.

The superintendent's proposal would save $31,000 by cutting indoor track and another $92,000 for eliminating freshman sports, according to the budget.

Still, the school system does not take the proposals lightly, Hartlove said.

"These are very difficult decisions," he said. "They are subjective, so not everyone will like them."

Other cuts in the superintendent's budget include eliminating 18 full-time equivalent non-teaching staff positions, reducing the maintenance budget, reducing central office budgets and eliminating one-time expenditures from fiscal 2010 for Manchester Valley High School.

The budget includes $3.9 million increases to cover: employee medical and dental insurance, pension, retirement and unemployment benefits, National Teacher Certification stipends and state-mandated fitness and athletic equity programs.

The superintendent's budget also factors in cuts from the state. Gov. Martin O'Malley this past week submitted his proposed fiscal 2011 budget to the General Assembly, including a $517,000 cut to Carroll's school system.

In response to requests by boosters, the school system posted details about the indoor track cuts and about furlough suggestions at www.carrollk12.org/admin/financeservices/budget/replies/default.asp.

Gill said booster presidents from each high school were scheduled to meet this week to discuss the proposed cuts.

If you go

Carroll County Public Schools' Fiscal 2011 budget public hearings will be held:

* Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m., Room 007, Board of Education offices, 125 N. Court St., Westminster; and

* Feb. 9, 7 p.m., at Manchester Valley High School, 3300 Maple Grove Road, Manchester.

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