‘This involves us all’

My name is Donna Washio and I wanted to take some time to let you know what is going on in our school district that you may not be aware of.

Last Monday I attended the school board meeting and last night I attended the school board’s work session.

I have to admit I don’t attend these meetings on a regular basis but knowing that our district is $3 million short and the fact that non-mandated programs are at risk of being eliminated got my attention.

We are at risk of possibly losing the elementary school libraries for one thing. Can you imagine our children in kindergarten through 5th grade not having a library? Our school librarians pass on their passion for reading to our children, they read stories to them, teach them how to use the dewy decimal system just to name a few. You can’t get that from a Kindle or Nook nor can you get the joy of searching the shelves for just the right book from electronic devices either. Our children need to be instilled with the passion for reading because it opens doors to them and helps them with their learning in all of their subjects.

Other things on the table are modified sports, strings, orchestra, combining elementary schools, etc. This is not a scare tactic. We as a district are in serious trouble.

The school board has to make some really tough decisions and we as a community need to be aware of this. I know the board doesn’t want to cut anything but the budget simply doesn’t allow for the extras that have become necessities to us all.

Some residents were at the meeting last night giving ideas on how to raise revenue that the board will look into. However, we need to get involved. Whether or not you have children in the school system, this involves us all.

Raising revenue is something we need to do but we may also have to look at our taxes. I know times are tough and our taxes are incredibly high but we really need to think about the idea and keep an open mind. No one wants higher taxes but our kids are depending on us to help give them the best well-rounded education possible.

Last year the teachers gave back $1 million to the district. That was wonderful and I thank all of you for that.

Please, come to the meetings. Listen to what is going on and come with ideas and open minds to help our district.

Thank you for reading this.

Donna Washio

Warwick