The Budget: Reasonable, Justifiable, Responsible

To the Editor:

The Board of Education has the responsibility to ensure that the school administration is able to provide a quality public education while making the most efficient use of tax dollars. Whereas we have a fiscal reputation for providing a quality education in a cost-effective manner, the recent accreditation visit to our high school by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has yielded a report somewhat critical of the level of the resources provided to our high school. Specifically, they have strongly recommended that we need to provide the space, faculty and support positions, and technology to more appropriately accommodate the needs of our growing student population. This proposed budget, although lean, begins to address some of these recommendations.

Furthermore, it is important to note that this proposed budget includes $235,776 for a four-classroom modular unit to be leased and installed at Newtown High School as an interim measure to help alleviate the overcrowding that currently exists.

Our student population continues to grow and we must continue to provide the resources, such as textbooks and supplies, to address this growth. Overall, the school system is projected to increase by an additional 98 students for the 2006-07 school year, including 44 students at the high school.

After countless hours of review by the Board of Education, Board of Finance, and Legislative Council, I believe that the voters are being presented with a budget that is reasonable, justifiable and responsible. I hope you will join me in voting Yes for the budget on Tuesday, April 25, at Newtown Middle School.

Sincerely,

Elaine McClure,

Board of Education Chairperson

32 Ashford Lane, Newtown                                        April 18, 2006