The following letter was previously submitted to Board of Finance members and First Selectman Terry Rooney.
To the Editor:
My husband and I moved to Monroe 22 years ago this coming May. We moved from a neighboring town because we wanted to give our sons the best education we could. We are both educators, active community members, and have never questioned our decision to call Monroe home. We have voted in every budget referendum, even numerous times in one year. We have always voted yes, even when our funds were tight because we understood the investment we were making for our children and this community.
We have personally reaped the benefits of our choice. Our two children attended Monroe Public Schools from Kindergarten at Monroe Elementary to graduation from Masuk High School. Both of our sons have gone on to attend universities of their choice. They have entered careers in technology and health care. They have both obtained advanced degrees in their chosen fields.
None of their success would have been possible without the excellent education they received in our schools. At every level of education, they had dedicated teachers who allowed them to question, grow, and thrive.
In addition to their classroom time, they were involved in afterschool activities and sports. These opportunities allowed them to develop their skill sets, challenge themselves, and experience life in the broadest sense. Their coaches and advisors were committed to their success and spent countless hours working with them.
While we no longer have children in the school system, we will continue to support our schools. We urge you to reconsider your cut to the education budget. The damage you inflict with this cut will impact today’s students and beyond. While an increase in taxes is a reality, it is the same reality we face when we put gas in our car or shop at the grocery store. The cost of goods increases, the cost of healthcare increases, and our schools need to be supported as they too navigate these increases.
The outcome of this budget will certainly impact upcoming town elections. Parents and all residents will need to remember the way our elected officials handle the town and education budgets this year. Make the best decision for Monroe and restore funding to our schools.
Sincerely,
Debra Hansen
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
