Keep in mind that many of those willing to pay the increased tax burden are the ones with the least to gain.

They’ll find a way to give their children what the schools will be less able to in the future – tutoring, art and music lessons, language classes, athletic activities, trips to museums, cultural events, etc.

It’s the kids with parents that don’t have the money or time to do those things that will miss out.

I respectfully disagree….. the comment alone speaks for itself. If a few (or one) on the Advisory Board believes that, that is their right. I brought it up because I happen to feel it was an unproductive comment and did not belong at this meeting.

I agree with you that “it is about priorities”. I really don’t look at one side as the good guy
and one side as the bad. I actually find myself on different sides of the table depending on the issue.

For instance….. I respect the Advisory Boards position that the School Budget (sadly )
has to be whittled down even more….. we really have no choice here, as painful as it is. I attended the meeting Monday night and actually felt that the Board had many great suggestions of areas that need to be looked at and consistantly there was push back from the School Committe that “it’s needed” or “it’s necessary”. I don’t agree that keeping the fees low is more important than keeping a teacher. Prioritizing is not easy but it is now neccessary.

Another example; I don’t know the details or how these numbers were arrived at (maybe textbooks were replaced within 2 years, etc) but a cut of 37% in textbooks and 22% in instructional materials which effects every single child seems high (which I believe follows previous cuts from former budget years). To then have Dr. Gobron push back when an increase in athletic fees or parking permits is suggested is ludicrous. Really. Prioritize is right. IT HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE! Of course it is difficult and perhaps uncomfortable to ask families to pony up more money for non acedemic activities (even if it is a part of the whole child education process) but to take textbooks and materials out of our kids hands (and perhaps even a hit to technology) is CRAZY. Here I side with Advisory. Tough
choices have to be made. I ABSOLUTELY agree that in times of fiscal distress it is legitimate to reexamine our core responsibilities to each and every child.

Another example of being on different sides depending on the issue; I do believe that the educators do know best when deciding just how many special ed. teachers or aids should be in a classroom along with a teacher. I have an 18 yr. old senior at Algonquin (along with
a 5th grader) and I have been volunteering in different capacities for all the years I was
given the option (up until Trottier). I have been in the classrooms, in the librarys, etc.
since l997….. I see firsthand the need. I see that the aids (whether they
are mandated by IEP’s or not) contribute greatly to that particular childs day but also
allows the classroom teacher to teach. On issues of teaching all our children effectively,
lets leave it up to the educators. Throwing numbers out in the air about how many
aids another town has in their classrooms is irrelevant unless you also show me numbers relating to reading levels, MCAS scores, success of SPED program, and perhaps even teacher retention rates.

There is much at risk here and because of that hope to continue to attend these meetings and continue to question both sides of the table. As parents and taxpayers we all need to take a look at the big picture and hold all sides accountable. We also need to keep ourselves informed and participate. As intimidating as
it may sometimes feel to participate in these meetings I am willing to risk showing my
naivety to keep myself in the loop and be better informed. I appreciate your reply Al and
hope to keep the discussion going in a focused, fair and healthy manner.

-Pat

That said, at the Advisory Committee meeting on Monday night, Superintendent Gobron announced they’ve made changes to the school bus contract that will save Southborough about $40K next year. There will also be savings at the regional level.

I dont think there is anyone on the Advisory Committee that does not understand the value of these extracurricular activities. But there are 2 important principles involved here.

First, it is about priorities. The budget approved by the School Committee calls for laying off 6 teachers. The fees in question do not cover the costs and so there is a net subsidy in the school budget for these activities. Given that there is a reasonable case to be made for raising fees and the sums of money are significant (enough to fund a teacher), what the current budget implies is that keeping these fees low is more important than keeping a teacher. Life is about choices and that looks like the choice that has been made. It is up to you to judge if you agree with the choice.

Second it is about responsibility – I dont think there is anyone on the Advisory Committee that does not recognize our shared responsibility to provide quality educational opportunities to the children of our town. But in an era of fiscal distress it is legitimate to ask what are the core responsibilities. Yes, there are clear social benefits to after school programs but I am also asked by people “Why should I subsidize flag football after school with my tax dollars? Isn’t that the responsibility of the parents of the children?”

Nearly 9% of all our property tax accounts in town are in arrears. Unemployement and underemployment has had a material effect on residents of our town. Senior Citizens did not get a social security increase this year. The town is facing a serious decline in non tax income. In this environment the opportunities for increasing revenue by large tax increases to fund pay raises for teachers, and other public workers is questionable. So, we find ourselves having to look at all available options and significant cuts.

My feathers get a bit ruffled when Advisory board comments that “some parents view these
programs as a cheap after-school babysitting” alternative. Pretty small minded comment,
I think.

-Pat