Simply voting 'no,' or not voting, is a disservice

Now that the Spotswood budget election is over and has once again been defeated, I would like to express gratitude to the faithful few that showed up in support of our schools and the hard work of the district. The fact that you heard the message and, despite another increase in our taxes, chose to support the programs, the teachers and the comprehensive education the district provides to our children is invaluable.

To those who did not support the budget, we know that it's about the money. You're tired of your taxes going up and this is your only voice. But is it? After you vote no, don't you have the option to contact state legislators, form citizen committees, etc. to fight the bigger fight? Do you even consider it? Or does it end here, making a statement only to the people who are fighting for you and your community?

To those who did not choose to vote, I'm not sure what to say. You're fortunate you live in a town that, despite a horrifying lack of support from the community, provides an outstanding educational experience for our children with advanced programs, small classroom size and top-notch teaching and administrative staff. Maybe the district has done too good a job. Maybe you take it for granted that, with or without your vote, we carry on without hurting the schools.

All I can tell you is that each year the budget fails, each year the voter turnout is less than 20 percent, it is a stinging slap in the face to our district. It is an insult to the people who work so hard to provide our children the best educational experience possible under the most difficult of financial circumstances. Each year you reopen the wound, affirming that, despite the district's best efforts, you don't support us or, worse yet, care enough to even come out.

Status quo in Spotswood. What a shame.

Donna Faulkenberry

Spotswood Board

of Education