Thursday, May 6, is a day to mark on your calendar. South Portland will vote on two issues: the school budget referendum and a vote to determine if the public should continue to vote on the school budget.
This school budget calls for 25 (direct service to children) positions to be cut, but not one single administrator. Yet the budget asks for an increase of $1.7 million. Administration expended over $800,000 in fees to architects without yet having a voter-approved renovation plan. Is this sound financing?
Are we truly considering what is best for the education of our community’s children or are we padding an already top-heavy administration that concerns itself first with self-protection before the needs of our youth?
I am a 34-year educator, a strong, life-long supporter of public education and one of your city councilors, yet I find myself challenging the efficacy of this budget. I urge you to ask questions, consider the pros and cons, and then go to the polls.
Lastly, I believe the school budget should remain in the hands of the residents and not be determined solely by seven city councilors. Be active, be involved, be informed and then vote.
City Councilor Rosemarie De Angelis
South Portland
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