The recent pamphlet published by the “Budget Advisory Committee for MSAD 9” is misleading in name and more so in information. However, Superintendent Cormier corrected the misinformation at the May 27 board meeting.

Every year there is furor surrounding the budget. Sides are taken and, more and more, I wonder what students of our communities think?

Courage is what we need.

Courage to do what is important and right, courage to be creative, courage to think differently about how our district’s budget should be funded, courage to be heard in Augusta about the funding formula, and courage to say we’re ready to do whatever it takes to make this happen.

I’m proud to be a teacher. I did not choose the teaching profession to become rich, but I do not apologize for a salary that reflects my education and my experience. I do take exception, however, at being called a “public servant.” I am not anyone’s servant!

I don’t know how to work any harder. I think what is being called for is to work differently. The Maine Learning Results, performance standards and the federal government’s adoption of No Child Left Behind all increase our responsibilities.

I don’t know the answer to this situation. I do know though, that our children must hold center stage in our thoughts. We must talk with civility and respect with one another, we must vote on June 10, and we must never lose sight of why we’re having this discussion in the first place.

Mary-Sue Hayden, Farmington

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