February 22, 2010 - So many times we are leery of requests for personal information and I am certainly not different that you. However, there is an upcoming "survey" that I encourage you to pay close attention and consider your participation. This "survey" is actually the 2010 United States Census. Regardless of your political viewpoint or stance, I encourage you to consider your participation in the 2010 Census because of the great impact your participation will have on our schools, city and county. The number of individuals counted in our city and county directly determines the amount of federal funding the school district will receive in future years. Many of you may not be aware that San Saba ISD receives federal funding. Currently, the federal allocations make up approximately 9-12 percent of the San Saba ISD operating budget. These funds assist with purchasing technology and many areas to generally improve the academic programs in our schools. Let’s look at exactly what is meant by the census.

What is the U. S. census? Every 10 years, the government reports the number of people who live in the United States by conducting a count called the census. This count is required by the U. S. Constitution. Why is the U. S. Census count necessary? Census data are used to determine the number of representatives your state receives in the U. S. Congress, as well as your county’s representation in the state legislature. Government agencies use the date to make funding decisions for more than $300 billion each year, including: Title 1 allocations (for schools), College grant and loan programs, Public transportation, Road and community improvements, Public health services and hospitals, neighborhood improvements, and Senior services. How is the 2010 Census taken? Census questionnaires are given to everyone living in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. The information is collected in two ways: by a questionnaire that is sent to every home, and through confidentially-bound census worker who travels door-to-door. Who should be counted? Everyone should be counted!!! All children, babies, and adults who live in a household should be counted, regardless of nationality, citizenship status, race, age, or gender. Why are some people reluctant to be counted? The US Census Bureau believes these are the most common deterrents to census participation: Privacy: Some people are reluctant to give the government personal information; Confidentiality: Some people worry that the information they provide could be used against them. However, census information is completely confidential. It is never shared with other government agencies, including the IRS, any office of immigration, or the FBI. Sharing census data is a federal offense; Immigration and citizenship concerns: People may not want to draw attention to themselves. However every person in every home should be counted as part of the census.

Please help San Saba ISD continue its level of support from federal sources. We must adhere to and follow federal mandates in our programming; therefore, we need to these funds to implement and support the federal mandates that are required of our District and our students. Please consider your participation in the 2010 United States Census. You may access more information by going to the Census in schools link at: http://www.census.gov/schools/ .

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . We are San Saba! We are together!