Stratford's Town Council is facing mounting pressure from residents to reconsider proposed cuts to the Board of Education budget, following a recent Ordinance Committee meeting on April 29, 2024. Parents and community members voiced their concerns about the potential negative impact of budget reductions on local schools, emphasizing the need for increased funding to support educational programs and staff.

During the meeting, several speakers highlighted the emotional toll that ongoing budget cuts have taken on families. One parent expressed sadness over the diminishing resources available to students, stating, "As a parent, we really have to push... we depend on the teachers." This sentiment was echoed by others who argued that the proposed budget would lead to the elimination of key staff and programs, ultimately harming students' educational experiences.

Ashley Tarka, a resident and parent, passionately urged the committee to heed the recommendations of educational experts, specifically calling for a full 6.69% increase in the budget as requested by interim superintendent Borges. "Why then would we accept that our children now get less than we did?" she questioned, drawing parallels between following expert advice in healthcare and education.

David Terrilliger, another speaker, reinforced this message, stating that the current budget proposal would not meet the changing needs of students. He urged the committee to amend the allocation to reflect the requested increase, emphasizing that "to meet the challenges... they need more supports and opportunities, not less."

The meeting also saw contributions from residents like Peter Bridal, who pointed out the changing demographics of Stratford's student population and the importance of supporting diversity in education. He warned that failing to adequately fund schools could lead to long-term consequences for property values and community well-being.

As the meeting concluded, community members expressed a collective hope that the Town Council would prioritize education in their upcoming budget decisions. With many families unable to attend the meeting, Liz Grambling highlighted the broader community's reliance on elected officials to advocate for the needs of students, stating, "We are trusting you to find a way to save our schools and fully fund a 6.69% increase."

The discussions from this meeting underscore a critical moment for Stratford's educational future, as residents rally for a commitment to investing in their children's education and ensuring that local schools can provide the quality of learning that future generations deserve.