I applaud your editorial of June 18 on funding for Wales schools. The school committee and parents have reacted in great haste and should reconsider their actions. Wales has continually provided additional funds without state participation, improving educational opportunities. Our current system is beyond the means of this small town.

The school committee, from fear of state and federal pressures, asked for funds that would raise Wales’ taxes an additional 17 percent rather than cut social programs that have caused an inefficient student-to-adult ratio of about 5 to 1. This flies in the face of reducing local tax burdens, a claim of the current governor.

Wales’ mill rate would have gone from 25 to 30 mills, producing more unpaid tax bills and increasing the pressure on the last three struggling farms in Wales (a typical residential tax bill is about $3,200). Increases mean increased land sales and greater demands on school services. The lady who moved here from Portland mentioned in your story should have done more than look at just the school. Wales’ tax rate will still go up between 1 and 2 mills, not the 6 mills that was in the warrant.

Wales voters have endured these pains for years on end, and 75 percent of those voting said enough is enough. The people quoted as petitioning for a new warrant item are self-serving employees in the system.

The school budget did not decrease. The increase was $75,000, just not the $277,000 requested.

Elbert Derick, Wales