To the Editor: Vote yes for kids

The Green Mountain Union High School Board respectfully requests your support of the FY 2013-14 budget on Town Meeting Day. The budget proposal to be voted on Town Meeting Day represents a decrease in the amount to be raised by taxes of 1.73%, largely due to revenues that will offset increased expenditures. Our estimated education spending per pupil continues to be below the state average. We are closely monitoring decisions being proposed in the legislature that will impact your taxes.

One budget item receiving a lot of attention this year is the impact of the supervisory union merger.  The overall GMUHS budget is $38,000 LESS due to this consolidation. Specifically, direct services for speech, occupational therapy, case management and the administrative level of technology have been moved to the Two Rivers SU budget where the consolidation of those services over time will continue to provide increased efficiencies. Other increased expenditures impacting the budget are primarily in the areas of personnel costs, including a large increase in health insurance, and an increase in our special education population.

Our students appreciate the support from the community for our schools whether for the arts, sports, technology, or another student celebration. We have a great school and great students and we hope you will help us keep it that way. We are committed to maintaining a learning environment that keeps our students in attendance with us and attracts tuition students. The more students, the lower your tax rate.

Support our community and students by voting YES on the GMUHS CAES and RVTC budgets. Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,
Alison DesLauriers
GMUHS Board Chair