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School referendum thoughts for clarity

A pattern has been set and now clearly revealed in regard to getting more money from New London taxpayers. I’m talking about the referendum on the Nov. 4, 2014 ballot. The referendum is a “request” for $2 million to span the next four years ($500,000 for four years).

I understand the deterioration of the school roofs has been known for many years. Why was this not handled in the same way successful financial planning is handled? Budget the money you have control over. On a regular basis, set aside a portion of the anticipated cost. When the project comes due, you have the funds to pay for it. This is what responsible managers do.

Figures obtained from the public meeting show the School District of New London has $9,256 in spending authority per pupil. We’ve been told we have 2,400 students in the district. That gives the figure of $22.2 million per year. Over the course of four years, the figure is $88.85 million. Reasonable thinking tells me there is certainly a way to budget for roof repairs, facilities maintenance, new books for each classroom and reconstructing the school entry doors to ensure safe, secure buildings.

Another factor to consider—here is a quote from the School District of New London Business Department: “We have been up front that unless funding for public education changes the district likely will need to ask for further support beyond the four years of this ballot question. That would mean another ballot question in 2018.”

As you can see, a pattern is set on getting more money from taxpayers. The backup plan always comes back to ‘do another referendum’ at the ballot box. I encourage you to vote ‘no’.

Jacqueline Kislewski
New London

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