School Budget Reductions Unacceptable

To the Editor:

The Board of Finance’s reduction of the Board of Education’s budget by $400,000 will significantly reduce the quality of education for Newtown schools. The 7/10ths of one percent reduction is significant when the budget is operating at a bare minimum. This means that the Board of Education must reduce its budget from the requested 7.95 percent increase down to 7.19 percent. The increase of 6.64 percent of the 7.19 percent of the total proposed increase will pay for the current students. How will we pay for the new students moving in? There is only one option —increase the class size. We will not have funds available for staffing and for school materials for these students. Once again, we will not be able to improve any of our existing programs and further delay many building projects.

I find the reductions made by the Board of Finance to be unacceptable for three reasons. First, the Board of Education’s proposed budget is a lean, fiscally responsible budget. The superintendent cut $1.7 million then the Board of Education cut $716,790 prior to submitting the budget to the Board of Finance. Second, the board members acknowledged the fact that the budgeted amount for the fuel was inadequate. It will be difficult to lock-in for oil at $1.20 per gallon. A recent Wall Street Journal article predicted that there would be another significant spike in the oil prices this year. Third, Mr Gaston stated that the increase in the mill rate requested this year is less than last year. So, rather than assuming that the voters would have a problem with the proposed budget increase this year, why not let the voters decide?

I also find that the Board of Finance members continually disregard the voters who communicated their desire to support the schools and the community last year. Did we not vote them in to do the job for the voters? The voters want the town leaders to have a vision for the future of Newtown with better roads, safe neighborhoods, an excellent school system, and a variety of community services for the young and the old. We all need to remember that without a quality school system, Newtown will not be as desirable, which will reduce the property value in the near future. People who have difficulty paying higher taxes must appreciate the significant increase in the value of their home with the influx of the newcomers.

Voters spoke loud and clear last year and I urge the Legislative Council to respect and honor the desire of the voters. I encourage the council members to look at the hard facts then do the right thing — reinstate the $400,000 that the Board of Finance cut, make an adjustment for the fuel prices, and allow the voters to decide! Let’s not pick apart the budget every year and work on raising revenues to pay for all the services that we require in this town. I acknowledge that it is a difficult job, but a much needed one.

Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to voice your opinion to the Legislative Council members individually and/or go to the Legislative Council meetings scheduled for March 30 and April 6. You can go to www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_BComm/council for contact information for the Legislative Council members. Please remember to vote Yes on April 26. Voting No would require further reductions for all services in town.

Po Murray

38 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook                         March 16, 2005