Mr. Wyand’s opinion of public education was revealed when he referred to “government” schools. That term is typically used in a derogatory manner when people of a certain political persuasion refer to public schools. Comparing the budgets of UNH and Kearsarge School District is a case of apples to oranges. Does UNH have to provide transportation to its students? Is it mandated to provide special education services? Does it have a choice in selecting its population? Public schools must serve whoever walks in the door, regardless of the financial implications. Do the public schools have endowment to help accomplish their missions? No they do not, but UNH does.

School budgets are getting harder to fund and its incumbent upon districts to budget carefully but increases do not mean that they are not doing that. In closing I will use the same approach that proponents of the Second Amendment do. The Founding Fathers believed in public education and regarded it as very important. Jefferson saw it as crucial for maintaining liberty. John Adams and George Washington voiced their belief in education for the masses. Public education is one of the pillars of our democracy. It needs to be supported.

Susanne Whitbeck

Pembroke