BY DAVID J. FOSTER
Staff Writer

The FitzPatrick Elementary School's innovative MicroSociety program gives its third-through-fifth graders a taste of real-world employment, salaries, taxes, and laws.

Last month, School Superintendent David W. Hornbeck gave the kids a lesson in politics and governmental management. He slashed the school's Basic Program budget by $55,615, eliminating the money used to run the MicroSociety teachers and students spent two years developing.

The funds for the Gifted program were halved, slicing the salary of Maureen Alloway, MicroSociety's chief administrator.

Unless alternative money is found, the program could be doomed.

Though every school will feel the swing of Hornbeck's budgetary axe, what makes this cut so disheartening is MicroSociety's dramatic success in teaching kids the principles of capitalism, legislative negotiation, and work. Further frustrating the staff, Hornbeck has never visited this landmark program.

In a pointed letter to the superintendent, principal JoAnn Klein argued the monies she is being asked to cut "has been integrally woven into the fabric of FitzPatrick School, enabling us to engage in ground-breaking work giving students and teachers a greater degree of ownership and pride in their educational experience. This has paid off in increased student achievement and enthusiasm for school."

The Basic Program budget provides the money for the materials that keep MicroSociety afloat.

"My staff and the students put their heart into making this a phenomenal program day after day," said Klein. "They cannot be putting their heart into it if they cannot be sure if it is going to be there."

Klein's letter wasn't the only missive send out. The school's students have peppered parents, legislators, School Board members- anyone who will listen- with letters warning of the program's potential demise.

"I wrote to Mayor Rendell, State Rep. Dennis O'Brien, and City Councilman Brian O'Neill," said student legislator Abby Fallon.

Hornbeck needs to fill an $84 million budget deficit. All school are being asked to make some cuts.

But is eliminating MicroSociety a wise decision?

As outlined in a special report in the December 24 issue of the News Gleaner, MicroSociety sets aside an hour at the end of the day when FitzPatrick students enter their own working world. Students run a school bank, post office, and exercise gym, where they earn money- called Patricks- and spend it in the various school enterprises.

The MicroSociety has its own security force (fines are handed out for running in the halls), and legislature, where student debate punishments for negligent workers and whether a candidate for president bought votes by handing out candy on Election Day.

In her letter to the School District, MicroSociety president Jennifer Ruiz said "the funding cuts were unfair because you are spending money on TV (commercials) but taking away an experience that teaches us about reality."

"We cannot allow the momentum that is building at FitzPatrick to be lost," Klein wrote Hornbeck. "We cannot afford to return to the apathy generated by teacher centered classrooms. Yet we will not be able to move forward if our excellent programs are not fully funded.

"I implore you to find a way to give FitzPatrick the monies we need to maintain our momentum and keep our `Children Achieving.'"

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