Since 2000, the budget for Auburn’s schools have been cut and cut. Auburn’s per pupil spending has dropped from the state average to 20 percent below the state average. The district is more than $2 million below state guidelines for minimum funding.

The City Council is blatantly ignoring the fact that, during that time, the school tax burden has essentially stayed flat, while the municipal side has increased. If Auburn residents are upset at their tax bill, it isn’t the schools they should be upset with.

Members of the City Council seems unfazed by the fact that, by law, Auburn must close the gap to minimum funding by June 2016, or risk heavy penalties by the state.

The proposed school budget helps close that gap. Auburn can move a third of the way toward those funding levels each year, or it can face an enormous budget increase three years from now.

Is the City Council selfishly leaving that for a future council to deal with? Are they being penny-wise and pound-foolish? Do they have other motives for not funding the schools? Regardless, the city is falling flat on meeting its obligations for school funding.

The district has set a responsible budget that includes the programs and services students need to be prepared for college and work, while slowly increasing funding toward minimum levels. They are preparing both the students and the city for their future, educationally and financially.

On June 11, we will vote “yes for Auburn’s future, helping the city meet its obligation.

John and Nancy Muir, Auburn