I was disappointed when the voters of SAD 48 once again turned down the school budget. The citizens in opposition to the budget are only hurting the children. I agree that property taxes are high. I don’t agree that by voting down the budget it will lower the property taxes.

The state has lowered its share of monies to the towns for schools. Many unemployed people are requesting help from the local towns and the state.

The slow economy is another factor in the equation. Educational needs of the area’s children should be the one burning goal in figuring the school budget. The extras should only be figured in after the basic goals are met – reading, writing and arithmetic. I’m not against the arts or sports, but sometimes too much emphasis is placed on them. In today’s workplace technology rules, so why not focus on that?

When the student graduates he or she needs to be able to get a job. No skills means no job that pays a decent wage. If you don’t pay the instructors a decent wage they aren’t going to stay. You need a competitive salary to keep or attract the best instructors to teach our children. Don’t they deserve the best?

In the next school budget vote, I hope citizens will vote to accept the proposed budget. A “yes” vote will show that the adults really care about children’s welfare. If you have lost confidence in the school board members then at the town meeting elect someone you feel will work for the entire community and not just special interests.

Becky Wiers

Palmyra