Looking For Cost Savings

By CURT CLARK

Published: Mar 19, 2010 12:00 am

To the Editor:

Watching the budget negotiations at the Board of Education meetings, I was not surprised when the Board of Finance slashed an additional $1.1 million dollars out of the proposed budget. Quoting from the Board of Educationâs December minutes, the Board of Finance was clearly expecting a flat budget for 2010-2011. While many parents and students came to the Board of Education meeting supporting their favorite programs, the reality of this economy was all too clear.

Looking at some cost savings, teachers will probably be losing jobs unless some creative thinking and work can be done. Maybe it is time to think outside the district office for ideas. The Board of Education is looking to share insurance plans with the town, why not other services? Could Park & Rec run the clubs and other after school programs that are costing $100,000 at NMS and RIS? Many of their programs are filled up quick when those registration books come out and they do a great job of running a wide variety of programs for many Newtown children. Surely, their expertise could come in handy at this time.

Also, observing the presentation of the special education budget, we have almost 20 students being served by programs out of town that are incredibly expensive. Maybe it is time that we looked at the expertise that we have here in the district and create new programs that can serve the educational needs of many of these students. If we have several students who have similar needs, we should be able to build a program around those needs. Why not hire certified nursing assistants as educational assistants if those students have medical needs? Look to hire bachelor of social work grads to work alongside teachers in creating programs for students with social or emotional needs.

Â There are a lot of possibilities that we should explore before cutting the teachers who have already agreed to a contract that is very favorable to the budget and our tax dollars.

Eric Paradis

85 Riverside Road, Sandy HookÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â March 10, 2010

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The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

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I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

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Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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Looking For Cost Savings

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