Vote YES on Budget Referendum

As residents of our beloved town, With the upcoming vote on Tuesday, May 21st, from 6am to 8pm in the Library Program Room, we have the power to shape the future of our schools, our children, and our community. We urge you: please vote YES.

The consequences of a failed referendum are already reverberating through our town. The new budget strips away a disproportionate amount – a staggering $536,000 – from education, which accounted for almost 86% of the total cuts from the Town Council. As we brace ourselves for the upcoming academic year, the impact of these cuts is painfully evident to both our dedicated staff and our resilient students.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight the arduous task faced by Superintendent Dr. Willett in presenting a budget to the Board of Education that had already endured difficult cuts to staff, programs, and materials. The proposed budget reflected $2 million in reductions from a level service budget, underscoring the serious financial constraints faced by our education system. We cannot afford to allow our schools to endure further cuts without jeopardizing the quality of education provided to our students.

We implore every taxpayer in our community to exercise due diligence and become informed. Look beyond the misinformation and misleading narratives circulating on social media. Seek out facts and engage with current Board of Education members if you have questions or concerns.

For those who only tune in days before the budget vote, please understand the following:

1. The Board of Education provides transparent financial reporting through monthly public meetings, Financial Forum Committee meetings, and detailed budget documents available on their website.
2. There are minimal excess funds at the end of each year, with any surplus allocated to the town's unassigned fund. The Education Reserve Fund is strictly regulated, with only 1% allowed for specific purposes.
3. Superintendent Dr. Willett actively engages with the community through monthly forums, Q&A sessions, and public participation opportunities.

This budget is the culmination of 11 years of underfunding our Board of Education. It is imperative that we break this cycle and invest in the future of our children. Education is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right and the cornerstone of our community's prosperity.
On May 21st, let us come together as a community and send a resounding message: we prioritize education, we invest in our future, and we vote YES for the betterment of our town.
Sincerely,

The Tolland Democratic Town Committee