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 1, 2026.
I am writing to express my support for the Regional School District 17 (RSD17) 2026–2027 school budget.
I believe this proposed budget reflects a thoughtful and responsible approach to maintaining the high-quality education our children deserve while navigating financial factors largely outside the district’s control. A significant portion of the budget increase is driven by contractual obligations, such as negotiated salary and benefit costs, that the district is required to meet. These are not discretionary expenses, but commitments that ensure the district can retain and support the dedicated educators and staff who serve students every day.
We need to continue to invest in RSD17, so the district and our students can continue to demonstrate excellence. The district is home to three “Schools of Distinction,” recognitions that speak volumes about the strength of the academic programs, the commitment of our teachers, and the success of our students. These recognitions are the result of sustained investment in our schools.
Supporting this budget means preserving the opportunities and quality of education our students deserve. Rejecting the budget risks undermining the excellence our community values for our children. I encourage fellow residents to look closely at the facts and support the RSD17 2026–2027 budget.
Carolyn Anderson, Killingworth
