LETTERS: UNWILLING TO CUT CHAFFEE PROGRAMS

To the editor:

I would like to send a personal response to the letter from Mr. Harrell that appeared in your paper Feb. 18 regarding the vote for the Chaffee school levy increase.

I currently serve on the Chaffee Board of Education and have for the past seven years. I have two children in grade school. During the time I have served on the board, we have implemented programs and spent money to increase the educational opportunities of the students in the Chaffee school system. It takes money to run these programs and to recruit quality teachers and personnel. I personally felt the people of Chaffee would support our efforts and vote to continue these improvements.

I sympathize with those persons on fixed incomes. I understand the financial burden that taxes place on you. I ask for your understanding of my situation. I have two children who deserve an education equal to or better than the education I received (and some of your children and grandchildren received) at Chaffee public schools. This will not be possible if the school system is to receive only the money that we are now receiving.

The board has decisions to make about how to balance the budget. Those decisions will be made without my input. I have resigned from the board with two years remaining in my term because, as Mr. Harrell put it, "to elect someone who would represent" the majority of "the people of Chaffee." The cuts that will be made will place the district in the position of not being able to compete with area schools in academics or athletics. This does not reflect the values and goals I have for the education of my children, and I am not willing to make the decisions as to what to cut.

The majority of voters in the Chaffee School District made their desires known. The school system will get no additional money with which to operate. I accept that and respect the thought that wen into that decision. I and many others like me who have children in the Chaffee school system now have to answer the question: "Will the Chaffee school system be able to give our children the educational opportunities that we desire for them and that they deserve?" We have decisions to make.

RANDY DOOLEY

Chaffee