How can supervisors ‘fail these kids’?

Letter to the Editor
Published: May 15, 2008

Editor:

I thank all the community members who came out in support of Madison County Public Schools at the May 5 board of supervisors meeting. Those who were fortunate enough to have seats inside the auditorium saw the dozens of Madison County High School students who were there, but perhaps they did not see the many more who were standing in the hall, in the vestibule and outside the building as well. I don’t know how many members of the board or other attendees at the meeting would have given up a beautiful spring evening to come to a budget meeting when they were teenagers, but I think it speaks volumes as to the caliber of the students we have here in Madison County.

So, I have to ask the supervisors, how can you fail these kids?

Representatives from critical and worthwhile Madison organizations made their budget pleas to the board. We heard from citizens representing everything from the rescue squad to senior services to public health to the library. They are all vital to the county.

But stop and think — 10 years from now, 20 years from now, who will be providing these essential services to the residents of Madison County? It will be these students, the ones we are charged with educating.

So if anyone in the county or on the board thinks that school funding can be slashed I urge you to think of the long-term ramifications. Don’t we want to make sure we give the children of Madison County everything we can in order for them to succeed? They need good teachers, safe facilities and the extracurricular activities that make them well-rounded individuals. 

I encourage the board to find a way to fund the schools. We all know the cost of everything has gone up. It is unrealistic to think that the schools can operate on less money next year than they did this year.

The board has been able to find a way to fund renovations to the courthouse and the Kemper Residence. The board was able to fund nearly $1 million for new athletic fields and didn’t bat an eye when it went over budget.

Surely, if the board can accomplish these things, it can find a way to fund our future. They must.

Kathy Haynes
Madison County