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Parent urges Board of Finance to limit education cuts as referendum fatigue sets in
Summary
Parent Haley Gite urged the Board of Finance and town leaders not to make further education cuts after three referendums, stressing the impact on AP classes, sports and students' opportunities and urging residents to pay attention and vote.
Haley Gite, who identified herself with a street address during public comment, asked the Board of Finance to make "as few additional cuts to education as possible," saying the community has already been through three referendums and that budget choices directly affect students' classroom experiences, extracurriculars and college opportunities.
Gite framed her remarks as a parent's plea rather than a budget expert: "When I hear another cut to education, I don't just hear a dollar amount anymore. I always think about our children," she said, naming AP classes, sports teams and middle-school belonging as at-risk items. She urged residents to watch meetings, educate themselves about ballot questions and vote, not to rely on others to show up.
Her comments came during public comment at the start of the special meeting and were followed by a substantive discussion among board members and district officials about grants and community sponsorships that could restore some previously proposed cuts.
