Taxpayers ‘Know Not What They Do’

To the Editor:

The Board of Finance just voted to cut education another $900,000 after citing a “lack of oxygen for everyone” and the likelihood of referendum rejection if such cuts were not made. I think they are correct. The taxpayers know not what they do.

The middle school alone has multiple roof leaks that result in ceiling tiles crashing during school session. The air quality is stifling with lack of ventilation and improper climate control. In my own classroom, I turn the heat on and off with a make shift boat hook. I choose between having heat and hearing the students because the heating system is so loud when engaged. There is little or no hot water in the far wing due to the antiquated boiler located almost a quarter mile away in the opposite end of the building. That is not so good for student hand washing after visiting the restroom. Is there mold or electrical damage due to all the leaks? The maintenance people perform heroically to keep the building running. Can they prevent ongoing infrastructure damage due to the failure of steam pipes and roofs? Teachers continue to serve altruistically with fewer resources each year. Our school administrators are the best in the business but are literally working themselves into exhaustion out of love for the students and the staff. The Central Office Administration and the Board of Education multitask with every strategy imaginable to lead the system with declining revenues and increased costs year after year.

Voting down referendums strangles the town. As depression sets in, people move out. The best and brightest public servants will “find new opportunities” elsewhere. Property values will decline and the cyclical descent will continue until Newtown was once a special place to raise a family.

Taxpayers need to provide “more oxygen” or we will all suffocate socially and economically.

Donald Ramsey

3 Prospect Drive, Newtown                                          March 4, 2008