If you have a kiddo in a Tucson Unified School District school, chances are they came home last Wednesday with a handout advertising the TUSD School Master Plan Town Hall meetings, which start today, Monday, Aug. 20. TUSD also sent out a press release.

The point of the meetings is to get public input to the school board on how the district should deal with a projected $17 million deficit. Discussion at past school board meetings have included the possibility of the school board going to the community with a bond package in 2013 for funds needed to build larger centralized schools. That means the possible closure of up to 34 eastside and westside schools.

The district set up a website for for the plan that you can visit here, and according to the press release, the town halls will be videotaped and available on the website. An online survey is also on the website for those unable to attend the town hall meetings.

From TUSD:

The public is encouraged to participate in upcoming town halls to provide input as to how the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board should make budget decisions to overcome a projected $17 million deficit while continuing to improve student achievement. The public meetings will be held Aug. 20, 22, and 25.

The Governing Board is seeking community input as it develops a School Master Plan to address five critical areas: Academic Achievement, Equity and Diversity, Services and Programs, Facilities, and Finances. The district faces substantial budget challenges due to demographic shifts in the community, declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and escalating expenses for utilities and maintenance.

Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the economic realities facing the district as well the chance to provide their ideas to help shape the future of the district and support the priority of academic excellence.

The town halls are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sahuaro High School Auditorium, 545 N. Camino Seco

• Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cholla High Magnet School Auditorium, 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

• Saturday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.- noon
Catalina Magnet High School Auditorium, 3645 E. Pima St.