A Clear Statement

Of Mission

To the Editor:

For those of us in support of a quality education for our children, let the Newtown Public Schools mission statement be your guide when it comes time to vote. “The mission of the Newtown Public Schools is to inspire each student to excel. We accomplish this by creating an unparalleled environment characterized by: quality instruction, continuous improvement.”

This mission statement is clear, but some of us lack the fortitude to accomplish it. The key word here is inspire. I have never been inspired by anyone who says one thing and does another. That’s hypocritical, and I will not pretend to “inspire” by supporting an “inadequate” educational budget and maintain that I support the vision of the Newtown Public Schools mission statement. The fact is the educational budget is “inadequate” and we are being told that if we don’t vote Yes there will be further cuts if the referendum is defeated. Well, this is what divides us and at the same time provides us the opportunity to “inspire.” I feel it is contradictory to accept an “inadequate” budget and at the same time support the vision of the Newtown Public Schools mission statement. I believe a decision to vote Yes supports the “hope” of restoring our education budget in a future that sacrifices the education of our children Today. And this misdirected “hope” does not support our community’s clear educational mission statement. That is why we should stand together and place our “hope” in the Legislative Council’s ability to restore funds to our education budget by voting No and thereby give our elected officials the opportunity to inspire our community with their support of our vision of a better tomorrow. ...and that is why we all know the right vote is No until we are presented with an “adequate” educational budget.

Anthony C. DiVanno

43 Jo Mar Drive, Sandy Hook                                          May 11, 2010