I feel manipulated when it comes to our school financials.
First, ERG equality.
A few years ago, I spoke with Peter Prowda, state Board of Education, the man who developed the ERG system. Mr. Prowda explained ERGs were created so educators could compare pupil test
scores in the same ERG category; not the amounts spent on each student. So the ERG is no reason to approve a 4.99% increase in the Board of Education budget.
Second, more seniors are moving into Ridgefield.
Why? There are many advantages to this town — besides the schools — that make Ridgefield, Ridgefield. After all, Ridgefield was the #1 town in Connecticut for years before the $90,000,000 school
bundle was even considered or passed. So schools are not necessarily the reason for a 4.99% increase either.
Third and fourth: Recent history should have clarified the connection between property values and school budgets. They do not parallel each other. And school expenditures do not guarantee
academic excellence. The #1 town in Connecticut — known for its excellent school system — spends far less per student than we do. Again, no rationale for a 4.99% increase.
We pay pension/health benefits for noncertified Board of Education employees, currently set at $1,051,000. Board of Education wants to add another 19 to its payroll. Why do we need more
people for fewer students? An increase of 4.99% makes even less sense.
I still don’t understand what happened between 2015 and 2016 that requires an additional $5 million. That’s a radical change especially in view of a declining school population.
It feels like expenses are just spinning out of control again. How do we regain control? The only way we can — by voting.
Squeezing taxpayers is only one part of the budget formula, not the entire formula.
A proponent of excellent education,
Jan Rifkinson
5/6/2016 Letters
Copyright © 2016 Hersam Acorn
