A Catastrophe To Kids

To the Editor:

Failure of the April 22 budget vote will severely impact all the children of Newtown. Any further reductions can only be described as catastrophic to our children and our schools. There have been many debates over which programs the Board of Education will be forced to cut. For the people who have studied the budget closely, they realize that the total increase is a result of increases in insurance, health care and fuel costs, increases in special education costs, loss of state aid, annualization of the Reed School, contractual obligations, and 171 new students. It is impossible to reduce the budget in these areas, therefore all that remains to cut are existing programs and required staffing positions.

Two fifth grade teachers at Reed Intermediate are very likely to be eliminated. Existing programs that are guaranteed to be impacted are extracurricular activities, sports programs, music programs, technology, and bus schedules. The Board of Education will focus on cuts in these areas before we impact the classroom further. It is imperative to the children that we prevent further drastic cuts by passing the budget. The next budget vote is scheduled for May 6. Please, for the sake of all the children of Newtown vote Yes.

Vincent Saviano

Vice Chair, Board of Education

5 Yearling Lane, Newtown                                              April 29, 2003