Representative Town Meeting Annual Budget Meeting Materials - Day 4 (linked)

Dear Mr. Campo
\am writing this letter in response to the RTM’s proposal to cut $470,000 from the Education budget for
the 2020/2021 fiscal year. | am a resident, taxpayer and also a parent of students that have and
currently attend Waterford schools. | also have proudly been an educator in this district for 23 years. A
cut to an approved budget of this magnitude will undoubtedly affect personnel and programs and,
ultimately, the students. | fully understand that you are a group that speaks for all members of our
town, but clearly the voice for our students was lost at this meeting.
| was acutely tuned in to this meeting. To say that | was disappointed in the comments made and with
the proposal to cut the budget is an understatement! | have tried to understand the reasoning behind
the number proposed but have failed to come to any logical conclusion. The fact that it was a specific
number with no suggestion as to how the cut be made within the budget leads me to believe it was
calculated at best!
| urge the member of the RTM who proposed the idea, as well as those that supported it, to educate
themselves and reconsider this motion. This amount of money cannot and will not be made up by
reducing the supplies we purchase or by each of us taking out our own trash and will have a ripple effect
amongst all staff and students.
As we navigate through this pandemic, understand that students are being affected and challenged
every day both academically and emotionally and to cut funds that will be needed in the fall is ludicrous.
| look forward to watching tonight and hoping you come to a realization that these cuts are unjust and
unnecessary in an already vetted budget.
Lisa Muti
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Zlidivd ALA