In reading the fine print of the contract, I have made an interesting discovery, not in its details, but in its language.

One of the prime contributors to the cost of education is undoubtedly the class size. It is detailed in paragraph 8.2 of the contract, and it reads as follows: “The class size shall be planned for 25 and a maximum of 30 students.” You will notice that it says “planned” and not “restricted to.” Furthermore there are exceptions granted under experimental classes without specifying what type of experimental type it must be.

Since the class size is not restricted, I demand in the interest of all of us taxpayers who are tired of ever-increasing taxes, that the class size be increased to 35 students and that the Board of Education explain its failure to the townspeople why this change was not instituted long ago. I also recommend an experimental class of 35 students staffed only by young teachers without tenure. The results of student achievement to be compared to those of tenured teachers.

We must make a start in controlling the ever-spiraling cost of education and the time is now. All beginnings are hard, but if we try we can make a difference.

I forgot to mention that one of my functions as an engineer was to write specifications. Every word in these must be technically correct, nonambiguous, and understandable by every reader. For certain, any error or omission will have unfortunate consequences.

Oscar Berendsohn

34 Apple Blossom Lane, Newtown                     September 22, 2011