Letter to the Editor: Different school budget perspectives deserving of respect

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As we head for a vote on the school budget on Aug. 3, we all know that this has been a contentious issue. My opinion is that we have a frugal budget, proven by comparison to other districts, both in terms of total spending per pupil and average salaries. Most increases in recent years have been due to special education requirements that we are by law obligated to fund. I believe the school board has been diligent in trying to keep spending down and provide a budget with no tax increase (now there is a minimal one in some towns due to an increase passed from the floor at the district meeting last week – but so tiny as to be virtually unnoticeable).

However, it’s clear that some people think that the board has not worked hard enough to keep costs down, and that we need to make further cuts. Others think that while the country is experiencing economic growth, our region is behind and thus we can’t afford to raise the budget. These are legitimate positions.

My request: as a community, let’s embrace this disagreement. It’s not good vs. evil, but different perspectives being worked through in a democratic manner. If the “no” side prevails, I will in good spirit accept the result and congratulate the no campaign for persuading the voters. Sure, I’ll still disagree, but I believe in our system enough to accept defeat as legitimate. No ill will, no frustration. I ask only that the “no” side do the same should the “yes” vote prevail. It’s good we have this disagreement, it forces us to look at our school system, it’s policies and budget, and share opinions. It’s natural that people have diverse interpretations of the same information. As a community we should welcome this debate, and not let it divide us. In a democracy, disagreement is good – indeed, it is required!

Scott Erb
Farmington

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11 Comments

  1. Eight years of a runaway budget , 10 million increase in 8 years. Please put the brakes on this runaway train. Please, Vote No today.

  2. Well, Bill, I completely disagree having looked at where the money is being spent and what the needs are. We’re frugal compared to most other districts. BUT hey, you guys have organized well and have been very vocal and active in your campaign. That is politics the American way and while I disagree with your stance, I respect your efforts and should that energy give you a victory, you’ll have earned it! Good luck!

  3. Scott. You are very intelligent man and do good things. However the townspeople voted you in to be frugal with our tax dollars so please let’s work together to spend less. That’s all!!!

  4. Sorry Jesse – I didn’t check the comments until now! Tonight (Tuesday) is a meeting at 6:30, and the budget timeline will be presented.

  5. Right now it looks like the big public meeting will be September 5, with the election September 12 (some people didn’t like having it on a Thursday, so this will be a Tuesday again). The budget to be discussed on September 5 will hopefully be set at the August 14th meeting. At least, that’s the info we got last night, how everything plays out can always alter plans!

  6. As an alumni of Mt. Blue I have been following the news that’s happening and it saddens me to see that even after 28 years that people still don’t want to put the students first.
    No matter the size of the district our children deserve the best education they can get. Unfortunately in our society that translates to bigger budgets to keep up with the times.
    Maybe Mr. Ward and some others should take a cut in pay to help this happen. I don’t understand why people feel he deserves a salary compatible to a bigger city. Our budget this year tops 320,000,000.. I bet all of you just gasped! Can you imagine having that weigh on you? The difference is they put students first.
    Now I know some are saying how wonderful Mr. Ward and his minions are however having had him for a principal I know first hand how he doest put students first. I have witnessed him putting students down, I was a victim of his being told I wouldn’t make anything of myself. Jokes on him though cause I have done quite well.
    My point is this… Don’t give a salary to a person based on how much you like them but on what they are worth. If they don’t measure up then find someone that does and PUT THE STUDENTS EDUCATION FIRST. They deserve it.
    Quality teachers (who want the kids to learn) , equipment (computers and such), programs (during amd after school) I sure we can all at least agree on that.
    Good luck and I will continue to hope that Mt Blue can reach its full potential for leading our children to greatness.

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