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 August 25, 2026.
Are we in a lose/lose situation regarding the way our school budgets are managed? We are required to meet all federal and state demands. The state and towns control our tax dollars and how they are used. The state and federal education committees/departments establish how we operate our schools. The unions determine what salaries staff and administration will receive and require Board of Education members to comply. The unions pressure legislators to go along with their demands by promising support during election cycles. Salaries and benefits set by the unions consume a majority of the BOE and town budgets. The ever-rising salary requirements have resulted in our schools falling into disrepair.
As schools deteriorate, taxpayers are faced with pressures from the state to meet newer building requirements. Each year the state returns some money to certain localities based on what the state legislature feels we need. It is never enough. When it comes to education, residents feel powerless because the local, state, and federal governments have usurped our power. We did not make the decisions, yet we are responsible for those made by others who have failed us. We are asked to vote annually for things that we do not approve of, and many wonder, “What’s the use? No one listens.”
Isn’t it time for a serious discussion on how this model has failed us? Isn’t it time for some new ideas on how education might be handled? If not now, when?
Sharon Challenger, Higganum
