It is once again time to set a budget, and our school board is looking to save money in a place where it could hurt our kids the most: our Title I program.

This program provides one-on-one and small-group help for struggling students. By not rehiring the Title I teacher in Eddington, having the Holden Title I teacher float between Holden and Eddington and, at best, filling in the gaps with ed techs or tutoring, the level of service that is helping 51 children will be cut. By potentially reducing the number of children eligible for Title I services, you force the classroom teachers to pick up the one-on-one instruction, leaving less time for other students. All kids lose.

Regardless of Essential Programs and Services or grant funding, the residents of SAD 63 have the right to decide which programs are essential and worth budgeting for. The school board needs to realign its priorities by re-examining the proposed $9,000,000 budget.

It is time for the parents from Holden, Eddington and Clifton to let the board know that if there is a $58,000 budget shortfall, you cannot compromise the most critical service: support for at-risk learners.

Listen to the teachers. The facts are clear. The current Title I program works and is worth fighting for. SAD 63 parents are urged to attend the April 23 school board meeting and remind the board whom they represent.

Jennifer Newcomb

Holden