Resident/Parent Requests Open Civil Debate on Override Issue

An open, civil debate about the merits of a proposed Proposition 2 1/2 override is an expected and essential part of the political process in Massachusetts towns. However, it is a disservice to us all when published letters of opinion include misinformation and attacks on the motives of our volunteer officials. In his May 17th, letter Mr. Varrell, a candidate for School Committee, suggests that our Superintendent and School Committee "may be intentionally misleading us." I have been involved in the schools as a parent / volunteer for many years. I would submit that this particular School Committee has addressed these recent budget woes with an unprecedented level of open communication (emails, school department postings, periodic meetings at local coffee shops), transparency and clarity. The budget process began many months ago and every resident in town was free to attend monthly meetings, ask questions, and be part of the solution.

The bus fee reference can be factually explained as follows: the $450 number was an estimate of the highest amount that would be charged to parents once the number of buses and riders was determined. Without any history of ridership and fees in Holliston, it was difficult to predict this number precisely. It turned out that the actual number of riders and buses allowed for some cost savings. Thus, the bus fee for families came in lower than the $450 number. This was not the School Committee's attempt to mislead parents, but a responsible effort to prepare them in case the worst case scenario of a $450 fee played out.

With regard to the kindergarten issue, I am glad that Mr. Varell makes the correction that next year's tuition stands at $3,475, not $3,800 as he previously stated. It is important to note that Holliston does also offer a FREE half-day kindergarten option. Just for comparison's sake, next year, Hopkinton will charge $3,700, Medfield $4,500, Dedham, $3,500 and Canton $3,500 for full day kindergarten. Although we may pay more than some communities, we pay less than others. Overall, our per pupil costs are below average. It is true that several nearby "wealthy" towns do offer free full day kindergarten (Sherborn, Weston). Yet, these are the very same communities that far exceed Holliston's per pupil cost to educate their children.

Finally, our elected officials deal with the same ever-changing landscape of revenue projections and policies from the state and federal government that we all endure. School Committee members often have imperfect and incomplete information with which to operate. I believe that our current School Committee is doing a very admirable job during very tough times. It is fine to disagree with their decisions, but we need a dialogue based in facts and respect. These are the volunteers who do their best to make our community a wonderful place to raise children.

Sincerely,

Julie Doonan

What Facts?

Posted By:Jon Varrell

Posted On: 5/20/2010

I am not clear on what facts you think I got wrong.

You can spin the bus fee mess any way you want, The fact is we were told the fee would be $450 with no family cap. I asked in public forums and in a letter to the editor why Holliston fees were so much higher than every other town. The answer I recieved was it just was. Never once did any school committee member say it was a worst case senario. You are re writing History.

The point I was making about the Kindergarten tution is that while our cost per student is below the state average, our Kindergarten tuition is way above the state average. A low cost per student should be reflected in a low tuition rate.

I would also point out that I have attended those meetings and have twice asked for an accounting of how the tuition was calculated. I was told it was based on what other towns are charging. This is improper.

We have an election on Tuesday. This town is divided right now on an override. I believe that we can do some things better and some things differently. I want people to understand my position the issues. If the majority agree with me there will be a new voice on the school committee. If I do not win because the town disagrees with my positions, I am ok with that.

I don't have to be right all the time. I just want to have discussion.

Override & School Committee Vote

Posted By:Joe

Posted On: 5/21/2010

It has become clear to me personally, after reviewing the facts and commentary provided by all that an override is necessary for two reasons:

1) Our schools are the reason families come to Holliston and we have created this social contract in an effort to support our youth in the best possible way for their future success. This investment in social capital has paid off as evidenced by the children's results in our excellent school system. Such cuts, if undertaken will create a haves and have not's community which undercuts the very social fabric of our community. Let's pull together and find solutions, not rip apart our community.

2)Your property in town is most likely your largest investment. If we allow the very reason people move to town to falter due to these cuts, then demand for our town decreases and your property values will fall. You may not be selling your home today, and many do stay put because this is a great community, but the equity in your property is important. Don't be pennywise and pound foolish.

I think most can agree the town may be able to do better as a whole in prioritizing funding and finding additional resources, but with major cuts in state aid still coming, we need to maintain our school system as best as we possibly can to maintain our social and financial investments. This is a good investment in your community.

Thanks to everyone involved in helping find solutions to this difficult challenge. The current School Committee has done a great job in navigating through these unprecedented times.

Please keep our town's children in mind when you vote on May 25th. They only get one shot at this and no vote.