Is It Time To Change Newtown’s Budget Process?

To the Editor:

I must take issue with David Klang’s “modest proposal” in his letter to The Bee last week. Mr Klang has suggested the creation of an Emergency Education Fund to which parents and other concerned citizens could voluntarily contribute additional tax monies above their normal assessment in order to make up budget shortfalls. He attributes the rejection of his idea by the Board of Education to the fear of setting a dangerous precedent. This may be the case, but my instincts tell me that setting precedents through financial volunteerism to fund education is not the only reason to reject what seems, at least on the surface, a gallant idea.

The fundamental reasons why this proposal will not work are logistics and the law. The Board of Education cannot set a school budget based, even in part, on contingencies or pledges from people who say they will add money to their tax bill. In these uncertain times, financial conditions of many people are not always stable. You can’t hire personnel, order supplies, and contract for repairs on the basis of pledges from well-intentioned individuals, who unfortunately may have a sudden change in their economic condition to fulfill those pledges. More importantly, there are no laws that could empower the school district to collect these promised monies. The town certainly could not place a lien on the property of one who pledged but did not pay.

Aside from the above, even if every person who promised to pay, actually did the logistics of collecting this added revenue and accounting for it to the State of Connecticut would be a bookkeeping nightmare. And what about the contributor? Can that individual declare these extra dollars on his tax return? If so, would it be deductible under real estate taxes or charitable contributions?

I do agree with Mr Klang’s assessment of the tired old use of Newtown’s ranking in per pupil spending. He is on the money (excuse the pun) when he states “per pupil expenditures do not correlate with educational quality, teacher excellence, or academic performance.” Our school administrators and board members should resist the practice of continually comparing our district to others as a warning that unless we spend more, we will have an inferior system. When money is perceived as the sole criteria for excellence, we will easily forget that the true test for the quality of our educational system lies with the dedication and competence of the people with whom we entrust our children.

Perhaps it is time for a change in our budget making process, to one in which the Board of Finance determines the amounts to be allocated to the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen, based on anticipated revenues and the tolerance of the taxpayers, and that our governmental agencies resolve to provide the best services they can within those means. The budget process and subsequent voting is causing increased polarization in our town between those who fear we spend too little and those whose fear is affording what we spend. Parents consider a quality education as the gateway to their children’s success and career. The community views quality education as an investment in the stabilization and future of the town. After all, what will we gain for our town or our children by providing the very best education, if after they have grown they choose not to live in a divided community? Let us not try to play the role of King Solomon, or as another King once said, “can’t we all just get along?”

George Caracciolo

Schoolhouse Hill Road, Newtown                               March 26, 2004