Dear Editor,
What do we lose if Weathersfield loses another budget vote for our K-8 school and our students?
We urge voters to come out on Tuesday, April 14, to vote a resounding “yes” in favor of your school. Sadly, only 30% of our registered voters, a significant minority, voted during the March 3 election. Good schools grow good towns.
The school board and the principal have worked diligently since the failed vote to identify areas in which the board has any authority to make cuts. Much of our budget, including teacher salaries and health care, as well as special education costs, are determined by the State of Vermont or are under contract.
We send out our high school students, which is of benefit to both the town and to our students. However, the tuition is another expense beyond our control.
If the budget does not pass this time, half the teaching staff could receive pink slips. We are likely to lose valuable teachers.
The voters should take pride in the fact that our Weathersfield School is one of only 19 public schools, of approximately 300 in the state, that are “meeting and are excelling” the standards of the Vermont State Report Card published in February. Good teachers grow good students.
We the undersigned, the school board, and town officials are aware of the financial challenges faced by many in our community. We all share the challenges of rising prices for food, fuel, and other necessities, as well as rising health and insurance costs.
If you are concerned about affording your property taxes this coming year, please, even if you do not file an income tax return, do complete an application for the Vermont Homestead Exemption, available at the town hall, by April 15.
This yearly property tax exemption is available to any Vermont homeowner whose household income is below $115,000, and who has lived in Vermont for more than a year. It can provide a significant reduction in your tax bill.
If you are older or of a low income and in need of help completing that form, you may be able to get free assistance with that form by calling 802-875-2418 for an appointment on a Tuesday at the Proctor Library in Ascutney. Appointments are in demand!
Please come out and vote to support the Weathersfield School on Tuesday, April 14. You can also vote early at the town office or call the town clerk at 802-674-2626 to receive an absentee ballot.
This is Vermont. Imagine our school as a future orchard in which you are planting fruit trees you may never enjoy yourself – a selfless, enduring gift. Good students grow good communities.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Patti Arrison
Paul Austin
Maureen Bogosian
Julie Lannen
Sophia Lashchyk-Tytla
Emmet McGowan
Naomi Morse
Alison Roth
Alisa Scipio
Andrew Tytla
Susan DeWitt Wilder