In the midst of a pandemic, where schools need more resources than ever before, Hopkinton residents continue to debate their school budget and the merits of critical personnel and services just as we seek to reopen our schools.
As a Hopkinton resident and a New Hampshire school administrator, I have seen first-hand the impact COVID has had on student achievement and social-emotional well-being. It would be unconscionable for voters to ignore the needs of our most vulnerable students during this crisis.
In normal times, early achievement in mathematics is a key predictor of high school success. Yet, Hopkinton voters are debating the value of an elementary numeracy specialist. In normal times, social-emotional well-being is the foundation on which all learning is built. Yet, we continue to consider eliminating psychological services. Further, we need the expertise of certified teachers and para-educators more than ever. Yet, voters have already eliminated a classroom position and additional support staff, with more cuts to come if the budget fails.
Slashing the budget may save a few dollars now, but it’s penny wise and pound foolish. We’ll undoubtedly see more students needing remediation down the road and even more students struggling to shoulder the emotional burden of this pandemic. And these are just a few of the targeted cuts proposed by the board if the current budget fails. Let’s show our children that in these turbulent times they are our top priority. Vote to pass the proposed school budget on Aug. 15.
TIM STOKES
Hopkinton