To the Editor,

I would like to respond to the Sound Off “Vote No on School Budget” (May 11-17). The first line says it all: “Taxpayers in Colton and Pierrepont wake up and take a look at what Colton School is doing to your community.” Please taxpayers of the CPCS District, DO JUST THAT. Colton Pierrepont School is doing a fantastic job with the limited resources they get from all sources, and they aim to continue their good work. Is the writer aware that CPCS is a NYS Dept. of Education Model School, and is considered one of America’s best schools by US News and World Report.

Let me add a few facts, CPCS is facing a funding shortfall of $336,000 of which $200,000 is from the expiration of the federal ARRA grant and a reduction in NY State aid of $136,000. The District is moving to a K-12 principal instead of both a K-6 and 7-12 principal. The current Superintendent is retiring thus the need to hire a new one and the teachers are now contributing to their health insurance. The school is also facing fuel and electrical cost increases and the never-ending torrent of unfunded mandates from both federal and state legislators.

I, for one, endorse the proposed tax levy of 6.48%, and encourage the tax payers to do the same on May 17th. Given that the tax payers of Colton have had on average school tax increases of less than 1% per year for the past 5 years, this is a small price to pay. Before I close let me say, I am a taxpayer in the CPCS district, and I have two children who attend there. I have nothing but admiration for the staff of CPCS, be they support, administrative or teachers who, according to informed sources, are all doing a wonderful job.

Unlike the Sound Off writer, I am proud to sign this letter.

Peter Edwards

Colton