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Residents urge the Board to protect programs and seek grants as budget pain intensifies
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Board to preserve preschool and staff, asked about PFAS grants and reserve funds, and criticized prioritizing stipends over teacher pay; commenters requested clearer timelines for referendum and Q&A responses.
During the public-comment portion, residents urged the Board to avoid staff and program cuts, seek outside grants for PFAS remediation, and clarify the referendum and reserve‑fund rules.
Heather Connors asked when a referendum would occur and why Columbia cannot use undesignated reserve funds like other towns. Jackie Cook asked whether the district pursued grants for PFAS remediation. Several speakers, including Kristen Bacon and Jeff Smith, warned that cutting teachers or preschool would harm students; Smith called staff cuts "unconscionable." The Board encouraged residents to submit written questions to the district Q&A posted on the town website so staff can respond and track answers.
