‘Don’t take it out on the kids”

The School Board and budget elections this year will take place against a backdrop of crisis and contention.

Declining enrollments, drastically reduced state aid, laid off teachers, closed schools and angry neighborhoods have all contributed to high levels of frustration and concern throughout the Warwick community – and indeed throughout the entire region.

The critical question is how this frustration and concern will play out. With seven candidates running for the three vacant positions, there is a potential for a healthy debate on the issues – problems and possible solutions – and a large voter turnout.

These are both good things.
Our concern, however, is that voters will go to the polls angry and that that anger will spill over and lead to a “no” vote on the budget itself.

Given the grave issues facing the district, nothing could be more harmful than to vote this budget down. It would literally cripple the District and negatively affect the students for years to come.

Vote for whomever you want for the School Board, but vote “yes” on the budget.

Don’t take it out on the kids.
Carole and Geoffrey Howard

Warwick