I’m glad to see that state legislators are finally working to update the state’s outdated school funding formula, and it’s important that they get this right.
As a Hampshire County for 30 years with no children, but commitment to all, I voted for a $110 million new elementary school. Yes, this will raise my property taxes upward of $900 more per year. I’m on a fixed disability income, but it was absolutely necessary.
Strong public schools are the bedrock of our community, and crumbling buildings, understaffing of teachers, and insufficient supplies disservice our teachers, our students, and everyone in the community. This is where I want my tax dollars going: for future generations.
By passing the Promise Act, the Legislature can take a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repair the persistent funding inequity that exists in our schools — an inequity which disproportionally affects students in gateway cities, urban and rural districts, and communities of color.
Every student deserves a well-rounded K-12 education, including small classes, music and art, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Students also deserve adequate public-school staffing, including counselors, paraprofessionals, and librarians.
We can’t afford to wait another school year and let the state deprive another generation of students of their constitutionally-guaranteed right to a quality public education, from pre-K through college.
Raising education raises community — do the math!
Amiee Joy Ross
Easthampton