A recent letter to the editor asked where the money is from all the excess teachers due to enrollment decreasing by 500 students. First inaccurate statement; 10/1/2009 foundation enrollment: 2,649, 10/1/2015 foundation enrollment: 2,295; 354 less over six years, not 500. The writer forgets the district reduced their teaching staff by 20% in FY11 and FY12 due to lack of funds. Class size improved only because enrollment decreased. If you were happy with class sizes close to 30 then you would want the district to continue to reduce staff. If not, then you would retain what was left while enrollment decreases to reduce class size.
The writer asks when the school district will run a “tighter ship”. In the last five years costs for electricity, oil, and trash & snow removal were reduced. Every expenditure is analyzed for efficiencies. I would propose this writer go through every line item in the budget and take out every expenditure he feels is unnecessary. It won’t add up to $2.5 million.
There is so much misinformation circulating about this issue. If you are opposed to this override at least have your facts straight. This is about the town not having enough revenue to cover the mandated increases required by the state to fund education. This is about MURSD continuing to improve the quality of education for our youngest constituents. This is about maintaining public safety, culture, recreation, and senior services. It’s about moving forward as a community.
The schools are part of town services, not separate. The real issue facing Mendon is whether residents are going to invest in their community and save town services, or repeat history. The quality of the school district is a barometer of the community. If town services are bad, everyone loses. We’ve been down this road before.
Residents need to make a decision. What do you want your town to be? I encourage you to vote YES. Invest in Mendon!
Jay Byer
Mendon
UPTON DAILY 