To the Editor:

This is the time during budget season when the “Yes at any cost” party pulls out all the stops to pass a budget on the first try.  Not a difficult task considering their videos, articles, letters and “guidance” are filled with the good things that any $100 million budget would be chock full of. 

What their marketing efforts will not mention however are the continuously-ignored gaps in the district’s education program that the superintendent, the Board of Education and town officials will not even give Newtown’s public the chance to fund properly.  Instead, they’ll advocate for Yes, and as they have done year after year, they’ll reassure us that next year’s budget will be better. 

Meanwhile, communities in neighboring districts are not backing away from the healthier increases in their education budgets which officials in those towns have effectively communicated and justified to the public.  That kind of communication is missing in Newtown.

Town politics is the reason why the people in Newtown who are hired and elected to advocate on behalf of our children choose instead to deny our teachers and principals the solutions they need to address long-standing problems.  

The politics in this town leave little room for any true education advocate or advocacy group to stand up and fight for change. It’s less stressful to forfeit authority to town leaders and join the “Yes is the safe approach” crowd. Otherwise, you risk being maligned in the press, at meetings, on FB or in libelous BOE emails.  The penalty for standing up for quality education in Newtown can be very stiff. Until school parents and education supporters get on the same page.

Four things to remember between now and Tuesday: 

First, never let anyone force you to vote in fear. 

Second, even a one-third of one percent increase in the proposed education budget can address some serious shortcomings. I’m limited to 500 words here, so here’s only one of many examples:  My son’s HS Spanish class will continue to be taught by three or four alternating temporary/substitute Spanish teachers because we cannot afford a permanent Spanish teacher. Do you think voters would support the extra $20K if the superintendent explained why?  I have to assume that it is acceptable to the BOE that these Spanish students will not receive the quality of instruction the district intended.

Third, use the Advisory Question to explain your “No” vote. Education budgets have been increased multiple times in the past, but only after enough education supporters insisted on a better budget. That takes work, but it’s been done.

And finally, look out for people claiming “any lingering problems can be fixed next year,” “if the education budget fails, it will be reduced further”  or “anything higher won’t pass.” These are not true education supporters.  These are wolves in sheep’s’ clothing.   

Thank you for your support,

Kevin Fitzgerald

24 Old Farm Hill Road, Newtown    April 22, 2015