During the recent Town of Stratford Ordinance Committee meeting, community members passionately advocated for increased funding for local education and library services, highlighting critical needs that could impact residents significantly.

Janice Coopy, a board member of the Stratford Library, urged the council to reconsider the mayor's proposed budget for the library, which she argued falls short by over $200,000. Coopy emphasized the library's vital role in the community, noting it is the busiest public building in town, with over 28,000 visitors last year. She detailed how a funding shortfall could lead to reduced staff, fewer programs, and limited access to resources, which would ultimately affect the community's ability to utilize library services effectively.

Similarly, Lisa Carol Fabian, a parent and educator, made an emotional plea for a 6.69% budget increase for the Board of Education. She expressed concern over the ongoing teacher shortage and the impact of inadequate funding on educational quality. Fabian described the budget increase as essential for maintaining critical positions and programs that support struggling students. Her call to action framed the council's decision as a choice between being "heroes" or "villains" in the narrative of the town's educational future.

Dawn Gianetta, a library and media specialist at Stratford Academy, also expressed gratitude for the council's engagement with local schools and reiterated the importance of adequate funding for educational resources. She highlighted the extraordinary learning opportunities available to students, which could be jeopardized without proper financial support.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the potential consequences of budget cuts on education and community services. As the council considers these pleas, the outcomes will have lasting implications for Stratford's children and families, shaping the future of local education and community engagement.