School Board Pres.: Jobs and Programs Will be Cut

In the wake of the town council's budget proposal being shot down by residents at referendum Tuesday, all signs point toward further reductions to the board of education's request for funding.

Prior to sending the budget to referendum, council members shaved off $100 thousand from the board's requested finding increase. The move was part of a compromise between council republicans and democrats to cut $1 million from the town budget proposal and reduce the tax burden by a full percentage point.

With the council preparing to make further cuts, Mayor Don Trinks and Republican Councilman Don Jepsen have both identified the board of education as a target when possible cuts will be made.

A second reduction in school spending (this time it's expected to be greater than $100 thousand) means the loss of jobs and programs for Windsor schools, Board of Education President Doreen Richardson said Thursday.

Although board of education funding represents more than 60 percent of Windsor's total budget, education is too important to cut, Richardson said.

"I think education is a core component of what we do in town," she said. "If we compromise that work, we compromise the long-term health of Windsor's children."

A reduction to the board's funding request would force the district to stop programs and services that have already begun, including gifted and talented academic programs, said Richardson.

Additionally, a reduction to an education spending plan she described as "lean" could translate into cuts to other services, like athletics.

A pay for play program for interscholastic sports may have to be considered, Richardson said.

In contrast to Trinks having said he heard grumblings of discontent with the board of education prior to Tuesday's referendum, Richardson said she has not heard such complaints.

Furthermore, Richardson said, prior to Tuesday's vote, her expectations were that "people would understand the importance of education, and demonstrate a commitment to the board and to the town" with a vote of support.

As. second referendum approaches, Richardson said she would urge voters to think about the future of Windsor.

"If you want a town with decimated schools, then vote 'no,'" she said. "If you want a strong, vital Windsor, we have to provide the resources to the town to make that happen, and that includes education."