Letter to the Editor: Budget Concerns

First, I would like to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication to the Town of Tolland.

As a resident of Tolland for the past 14 years, I would like to express my support for the Board of Education's requested budget. During the building boom here in Tolland years ago, we were part of that influx of families who came to Tolland because we thought it was a great community to raise children, and the school system was certainly part of that decision as well.  

Whether or not it was a good decision to allow developers to build all these homes is a mute point.....however, it is now the responsibility of the town to make sure our student population gets the education they deserve. Just this week, I have heard of two families leaving Tolland because they felt our school system was declining....yes, that was their reason for moving. I fear this is just the beginning. If we don't make every effort to preserve and protect what we have, it will only be downhill from here. I must also mention that their are plenty of families that are considering, or have already put their children in private schools. This is not exactly a positive message about our school system. My husband and I are involved parents, we work with our kids, help with homework, etc., but even we are starting to see a decline in the quality of the education here in Tolland. We have great teachers, but they can only endure the cuts and be stretched beyond their limit for so long.  And our students will suffer too.....larger class sizes, less attention from the teacher, and less opportunities.  We supported the geothermal project at the Town Hall and Library, and considered it an investment in the Town's future.  Aren't the children of this town an investment in the future as well?

As the current President of the Tolland Elementary PTO, I can tell you that we have raised over $30,000 so far this year. In addition to that, the PTO has contributed over $60,000 for a Playscape at the Intermediate School, and we continue to work to complete the project. We receive a lot of support from our school families. Now more than ever, the PTO is filling the gaps of our school budget. We don't spend the money we raise on frivolous or expensive items for the schools. Just a few examples are: books for the reading department, classrooms and libraries; field trips and assemblies that support the curriculum; technology and recess equipment. Because of the staff cuts the past few years, at Birch Grove we have asked our volunteers to help make copies and assemble projects for the teachers....not just one teacher - for all of the grades. We would much rather have our teachers in the classroom with the children, than in the copy room.

Bringing revenue into town is clearly a priority. I realize we cannot keep raising the education budget without also adding revenue, and must take some of the burden off our taxpayers. But the Board of Education has a responsibility to make sure the students of Tolland are getting an education that will prepare them for a successful future, and that should be supported by our Town leaders as well. If our town residents could witness and see a unity among all of our town leaders (BOE, TC, and Town Manager), I believe it would make a difference.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Karen Moran 50 Merlot Way