To the Editor:

I am often asked whether I enjoy being on the Board of Education. After all, it is an unpaid and sometimes thankless job. We make decisions that affect people’s taxes and their children, and emotions can run high. But I thoroughly enjoy being on the Board of Education because I believe that good public schools are at the heart of Newtown’s thriving community.

From the historic Hawley School to the new Sandy Hook School, each building hosts its own culture and community. The high school offers opportunities to see nationally award-winning band performances, top-notch theater productions, and your favorite sporting event. The schools host Veteran’s Day celebrations and visits from famous authors. The opportunities the schools avail us are extensive. And the learning that takes place within the school walls, whether in civics, history, social-emotional health, language arts, math, or science, provides our children with the tools to succeed in their lives and contribute to the community in which they live. Students graduating from Newtown High School go on to impressive careers and colleges, but before they get to that point, they volunteer throughout Newtown, whether at the Senior Center, the Pootatuck Watershed, the Labor Day Parade, or C.H. Booth Library. Students work in restaurants and groceries, hardware stores and stables. Likewise, families visit local businesses and support economic development in town.

Not only are good schools the foundation of a thriving community, but they also influence home values. According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a full 91 percent of respondents indicated school districts were important in their decision-making process for choosing a home. Clearly, not all home buyers have children or even plan on having children. So this figure indicates that people recognize the quality of school districts for the educational opportunities they provide, but they also consider school quality as part of the overall value of the home.

Obviously, we face challenges in the community, in Connecticut, and in the country as a whole. There are increasing needs in special education and unfunded mandates which become local budget requirements. And taxpayers are acutely aware of Connecticut’s precarious financial situation. But when the pieces fit together, they support a vibrant community, and I am happy to be a contributing member on a board that is working to put the puzzle together to ensure Newtown and its students thrive.

Post Script: The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education is promoting a statewide initiative to share the message “I support my Connecticut public schools!” The campaign encourages people to use social media and news outlets to share their reasons for supporting public schools. I am sharing my reasons with you. I encourage others to do the same. #IsupportMyCtPublicSchools

Michelle Embree Ku

28 Platts Hill Road, Newtown        February 6, 2019