Message sometimes lost in budget debate

To the Editor;

There was much said at the recent SAD 4 school budget meeting. There is also much that could be said about that meeting. However, I would offer just one short and simple observation that might easily go unnoticed.

As I looked around the crowded cafeteria, I noticed more than a few students at the meeting. I couldn’t help but smile. First, because many I know and recognize due to my association with Piscataquis Community Elementary School as a volunteer and substitute teacher over the past decade. Second, at the realization these kids are interested in their education and concerned about their future. They deserve applause.

Their presence suggests “we must be doing something right” and challenges us to not lose sight of the ultimate consumers for the education we provide. Our communities face some difficult times and we are called upon to make some difficult decisions. In our concerns and debates over things like federal and state mandates, contractual obligations, and “where does the money come from,” please let’s not forget that ultimately we have not only a responsibility to our children but we also have an opportunity.

I have never been a fan of the rationale, “It’s for the children,” because it seems divisive and one dimensional. There are many stakeholders in the discussion of funding education. My plea is that we not forget any of them — not only in the decisions we make but in the process we use in making them. More than ever, we need to model good and reasonable thinking, civil responsibility, and positive problem-solving skills. We are being tested this year. Simply passing a budget doesn’t determine our success or failure.

Walter Boomsma
Abbot