Why I voted against the School Budget

Why I voted against the School Budget
M. Saud Anwar
Member of South Windsor Town Council

I would like to begin by stating that my children have received an exemplary education in the South Windsor school system. The teachers of South Windsor have helped our children become better citizens, students and have inspired them to be the best that they are capable of being. I, also, have immense respect for Dr. Carter, the school superintendent, the administrative staff and the Board of Education. We have been able to work collaboratively to make important decisions. However, I have serious concerns about this year’s education budget. I voted against the proposed budget because of the impact that it will have on all South Windsor tax payers. As well, I have concerns about the vetting process, which resulted in the education budget being voted on before a public hearing on the town budget. Because these two parts of the budget are so interconnected, they must be considered within the context of the total.

This year, arriving at a town budget has been challenging. Our grand list has decreased in value by over 10%. The mill rate will most likely increase by over 6 points, just to maintain existing taxes. In the 2010-11 budget, the Board of Education approved $65,193,687 for 4463 students at a cost of about 14.6 thousand dollars per student. In 2013-14, the Board of Education approved $68,123,940 for 4083 students. This amounts to 16.6 thousand dollars per student. Including the present budget, this represents a 14% increase in the per pupil costs over the past 3 years. The result will be an increase in taxes on home owners, motor vehicles and many South Windsor businesses.

The Board of Education budget accounts for approximately two-thirds of the overall town budget. It was passed last night without a public hearing on the towns’ budget. Take away two-thirds of the pie and the remaining third must be divided among the many services needed to operate a thriving community. Unless the Town Council looks at the school budget in relationship to the town’s other needs, how is it possible to divide the pie equitably? This is a matter of establishing priorities before making irrevocable decisions. When the town budget is brought up for public discussion, two thirds of it will have already been allocated. I value and respect the opinions of our residents. Bypassing this important part of the democratic process is highly disturbing. Three Councils members requested that the budget be voted on without public input into the education allotment. One Council member rationalized this by saying that the general public does not attend budget hearings, anyway. I do not agree. With something as important as the full town budget, everyone deserves an opportunity to express their opinion.

All of us want our fine educational system to continue to service students in the best way possible. But the Town Council has to make some difficult choices. Increasing the tax burden, in current economy, is not sustainable. Without a comprehensive plan and strategy to address demographic patterns, prioritize needs and listening to the residents, we cannot make informed decisions. I support full-day kindergarten and our special education programs. We have not yet discussed increasing security for our schools. Surely, this program will need to be funded. The safety of our children is our first priority. We are already behind in fulfilling our Police Department’s requested personnel needs. The town infrastructure needs improvement. The list goes on.

I did not vote “yes” for the education budget. Without regard to the way it will impact other essential services and without public discussion of its place within the overall budget, I cannot approve the process. I voted “no” because I am extremely concerned about the predicament of our taxpayers and the future of our town. It would have been helpful to hear how the residents of South Windsor feel about the totality of the budget before voting. We as a town are fortunate to have talented teachers, enthusiastic volunteers and a committed Board of Education. My vote is, in no way, intended to diminish the dedication and hard work of everyone who works diligently for our town.