Letter: Please Vote YES Today

Let me begin by clarifying a misconception: I do not think “no” voters hate children. I do, however, think that a “no” voter’s priorities are likely different from mine and from the many members of the community who generally support the education budget. In my case, I support the budget wholeheartedly because as a member of the Board of Education, I helped to develop it. I sat through the presentations, asked the tough questions, and worked with the other members of the BOE, Democrat and Republican, and Mr. Cross, Clinton’s superintendent, to craft a responsible budget that will help Clinton’s children succeed both today and tomorrow.

Some critics argue that the budget is bloated or inflated. They point to our declining enrollment and say we should be cutting teachers. To some extent, they’re right. That’s why several teaching positions have been eliminated over time whenever possible. This year, there are three proposed new teaching positions: a guidance counselor at the high school, a high school literacy coach, and an elementary math coach. These positions serve ALL of our students and, in the case of the coaches, offer a cost-effective resource for continuing to improve our teachers’ effectiveness, the one consistent element shown to improve student success.

Others suggest we need to simplify education; they say things have gotten too complicated. To some extent, they’re right. Teachers, like me, will tell you that education has gotten pretty complicated. We are educating students for jobs that don’t yet exist; talk about a Herculean task! While people may not like technology, it’s here to stay, and we need to make sure our students know how to use it responsibly and effectively. If Thomas Jefferson or John Adams were alive today, I can guarantee you they would be learning to write code. If people want to eliminate some of the burdens our local schools are forced to bear, voting no simply will not accomplish that goal. Write to your legislators; vote for people who want to change the educational landscape; and vote out the people who initiate these mandates. The people in Hartford and Washington are the ones who design and enforce the mandates, not the seven people sitting around the table every other Monday night in Clinton.

People also say they want lower taxes. I want lower taxes. But I believe one way to lower taxes is to continue to improve our schools and to send the message to people who are thinking of moving to Clinton that this community values education. Better schools are shown to improve property values which often translates to a lower tax burden. A sea of yellow and black “VOTE NO” signs that literally say “NO EDUCATION” certainly does not send a message that the people who are voting no care about education. And that message, which barrages anyone who drives through Clinton every spring, certainly doesn’t serve as a ringing endorsement for people who are looking for a place to raise a family.

Please vote today from 6 am to 8 pm at town hall. Please VOTE YES: YES for EDUCATION; YES for OUR COMMUNITY; YES for OUR KIDS.

Sincerely,

Kim Buckley