tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445340.post-1143686997002558602006-03-29T21:44:00.000-05:002006-03-29T21:55:02.046-05:00Here's a perfect example of why it's important for Monadnock parents to vote.<br /><br />Article 3 on the Monadnock School District warrant this year asked voters to set aside $230,925 to put toward the building capital reserve fund. Not a dime of that money would have come from new taxes. All of it would have come from New Hampshire State School Building aid reimbursements from previous projects. It could have been used to help reduce costs for the construction that the district must do soon if the Middle/High School is to retain its accreditation.<br /><br />The article lost by eight votes, 1403 to 1411.<br /><br />The biggest problem in the Monadnock District is not the Monadnock Taxpayer's Association or the teacher contracts or even the embarrassing condition of our Middle/High School infrastructure.<br /><br />The biggest problem is that few parents take the time to vote and to actively support their children's schools. The extent of the complacency is astounding. Yesterday I spoke with an elected official who was at the polls and took note of how many parents showed up in Swanzey on February 4th. The answer: very, very few. It's not just a Swanzey problem, however: the apathy extends district-wide.<br /><br />Politicians talk about playing to their "base." In 2005 Monadnock children - your children - had no political base because parents weren't in the game. They didn't show up for School Board meetings. They didn't show up for Budget Committee meetings. Less than 200 showed up for the Deliberative Session prior to going to the election.<br /><br />And they didn't vote. For want of eight votes this important article - and many others - failed.<br /><br />Parents can change all of that. So next year go to the polls. Call your neighbors and friends and ask them to support your schools. Fight for the education your kids deserve rather than accepting the education that can be purchased for the least possible cost and still remain legal.<br /><br />Next time around your vote could make all the difference for the election - and for your kids.38Kids Editorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04000850714803486969noreply@blogger.com