Letters: Kids should come first

EDITOR,
Let me begin with public applause of Dene Bustichi’s article in the last issue of the Press Banner (Commentary, “Yes, Dr. Silver, we do care about our schools,” Feb. 5). Thank you, Dene, for putting words to exactly what most community members and I have been feeling about the Feb. 2 budget presentation.
As we try to muddle through our feelings of frustration regarding cuts that adversely affect the education of our children, I implore you to ask yourself: What is the most constructive way to deal with these frustrations?
One idea is to follow the advice that the superintendent and Allison Niday, Scotts Valley school board member, suggested Feb. 2: Write your state’s elected leaders with your concerns.
Furthermore, in that statement also lies exactly the message that we must take to heart, Scotts Valley: Write your school board members and let them know your concerns. Tell them that we do not want the quality of our children’s education to be compromised, even in this time of financial turbulence. Write them and explain that the community will support alternative funding (i.e., a possible parcel tax) only if the fine print specifies that the money be used for class-size reduction and teacher salaries. Let board members know that we are willing to work alongside them for our children’s successful futures, if we feel the board and the superintendent share the same vision.
There is no doubt that we are feeling the effects of the state and federal financial shortfall; however, we can have the most impact on our local district finances. I believe if we create solutions together, we can rebuild trust between the district administration and the people, while keeping the focus on kids.
If Scotts Valley residents felt secure that the board’s priorities were in alignment with the community’s, the parcel tax and possibly the bond would pass.