The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received May 2, 2026.
Once again it’s May and the time to think about showing support for Regional School District 17’s budget is upon us. As we consider the budget, it helps to keep our focus on facts and avoid being swayed by rumors.
RSD 17 offers exceptional schools and an outstanding staff, consistently providing students with high-quality educational experiences. The offerings available to students — from strong academic programs to extracurricular and enrichment opportunities — are top-notch and are what help children thrive and succeed.
Looking ahead, there is also a significant reason for optimism. With the recent addition of a new Superintendent (December 2025) and Assistant Superintendent (January 2026), the district is entering a period of new leadership and innovation. Fresh perspectives bolstered by a strong foundation already in place help ensure that our schools continue to strive for excellence.
At this time it’s important to address the misinformation that has been circulating in the community. For example, the claims that this new leadership team “gave themselves a 10% raise” for next year. This is simply not accurate. Both administrators are new hires and will not receive any raises beyond what is outlined in their contractual agreements. Spreading incorrect information only serves to distract from the real issues at hand.
Decisions about our school budget should be based on factual information and rational thinking. Our children’s education is too important to have it be influenced by groundless accusations. By supporting this budget we continue our investment in strong schools with dedicated educators who are fortunate to be supported by new leadership devoted to the tradition of excellence.
Divinna Schmitt, Killingworth
