Charter Change Would Bring

Partisanship To The School Board

To the Editor:

When you vote on April 22 in the annual budget referendum, you will be asked to vote Yes or No on eight proposed changes to our town charter. Like the Constitution of the United States, the Newtown charter establishes the powers and duties of elected officials and guarantees a voice for all citizens.

Question 7 of the eight proposed changes asks voters to increase the membership of the Board of Education to seven persons, serving four-year terms, from the current six members, serving four-year terms. Why is this a bad idea?

The change would have serious consequences. Should this change be approved, the result would allow either the Republican or Democratic Party to take control of board proceedings and thus control the instructional and financial direction of the school system. This charter change is ill conceived and shows signs of an attempt to gain party control of a vital service. Both political parties are guilty.

Proponents argue it would allow a tie breaking procedure, but the current six-member board forces the six members to find common ground. Presently, the six-member Board of Education must discuss issues in depth, listen and respect the opinion of each other, and find a compromise position that includes the best of all ideas expressed. That’s the American way.

I urge everyone to vote on April 22. When you consider the changes requested for our town charter, I trust you will agree to vote No to establishing a seven-member Board of Education. A No vote will support the efforts to find common ground for all divisive and polarizing issues. Vote No on Charter change #7.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                               April 9, 2008