Letter: Croydon supports education

Croydon’s May 7 special meeting was gratifying, humbling, and more than We Stand Up for Croydon Students (WSUCS), who campaigned to get out the vote and raise awareness about the budget cut, expected. Croydon showed up and voted for students, public education, and a fully funded school choice program. Between the March and May meetings, countless people reached out to elected and appointed officials and representatives, the Attorney General’s office, and the media. People demonstrated that they care, believe in democracy, and support a model of education that has worked for generations. On behalf of WSUCS, thank you to all involved in Croydon’s May meeting, which restored the originally proposed budget of roughly $1.7 million.

Thank you to voters who engaged in democracy; town officials who ran this meeting, especially our new town and school moderator; students who attended and spoke in defense of their education; and Croydon teachers, staff, and administration. Thanks to state troopers who attended; those in neighboring towns who supported by posting WSUCS signs, by babysitting, providing refreshments, standing by to offer rides, and attending the meeting in solidarity. Thank you to all who donated funds and submitted letters to local publications, decrying the move to defund public education; the many journalists who reported on this story; those who offered legal, town meeting, and campaigning advice. Thank you to Camp Coniston for hosting. Finally, a call to action: participate. Get informed, attend meetings, and vote. You, your beliefs, and your actions matter, as Croydon just demonstrated.

Amanda Leslie

Croydon