Rally around the schools

We are asked to vote on Tuesday in rescheduled school elections. We are asked to select leaders for the Board of Education and approve money to fund the school.

The elections were rescheduled because the senate and assembly voted against the governor’s proposed budget for education. Was this political suicide or just doing the right thing?

Education must be funded, the legislators argued. It’s the right thing to do.

Even so, the tax rates are up. Money for education has been cut on a state and federal level. We’re asked to collectively pay more because there is less outside funding.

And you might ask, how in this uncertain economy can we all afford it?

Actually, we can’t afford not to rally around the schools. It’s the right thing to do.

From the series of one-room schoolhouses that dotted the countryside to the now regionalized districts, our culture has always valued education and stepped up to pay for it. For some, it was a leap of faith.

But how can we not educate our children. In this complex world, their very survival depends on a strong educational foundation.

Taking care of educational needs is a fundamental right and responsibility. Vote yes for the school budget. It’s the right thing to do.

It’s the only thing we can do.

Laurie Stuart, Editor