Support Region 9 budget Tuesday

On behalf of the Joel Barlow Education Association, which represents the certified professional staff of Joel Barlow High School, I urge the residents of Easton and Redding to support the Region 9 budget referendum on May 2.

Joel Barlow High School is a school of excellence, both on the regional and the national levels.

Its graduates excel in academics, in the arts and in athletics. Over the years, reasonable class sizes and strong professional development have resulted in programs that truly lead our students toward "a rigorous, dynamic education," as called for by our mission statement.

The 8.89 percent total proposed increase may seem high to many taxpayers. But the drivers behind that increase include significant debt service costs, unprecedented required special education services and operations and maintenance costs associated with the school facility.

The proposed budget already calls for a decrease of one teaching position. It is clear that further cuts would significantly impact direct services to students.

We appreciate the tax burden shouldered by town residents over the past several years. Knowing what will be the consequences should this budget not be approved, we urge you to vote YES on May 2.