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Schools, services area 'sound investment'

To the Bulletin:

Our family moved to Amherst years ago because of the high quality of the school system. If the override fails, 13 percent of our teacher positions will be lost; 7 percent were already lost last year. Loss of funding also adversely affects the town's essential services such as firefighters, police officers, public works and services for senior citizens.

In the 2006-07 budget, the schools cut 22.5 teaching positions, 22 aides and clerical staff, programs, books and supplies for a total of over $2 million in cuts. Even if this override passes, the school budget will be cut by $1.5 million, including two administrators, 17.5 teachers and other staff.

The state reduced the income tax from 5.8 to 5.3 percent in 2002. Because of this, Amherst lost over $14 million (adjusted for inflation) of state aid and has been struggling to deliver essential town services and a quality school system despite this loss.

Keeping essential services and supporting an excellent school system will continue to make Amherst an attractive town to live in. Families living in Amherst tend to support business in Amherst. Increased business for Amherst will lower the residential property tax base.

We will no longer have children in the school system after this year, but we believe that an excellent public school system and good town essential services, including services to senior citizens, are a sound investment in our town's future.

Gloria Chang-Wade
John S. Wade
Amherst

Source: Amherst Bulletin, April 27, 2007 - Letters