LETTER: The Opinion of Parents is What Counts - by Anna Eliot

Dear Editor:

While I was disappointed in myself for not standing up at town meeting last night in support of the Groton portion of the school budget, the vote spoke for itself. The real test on this question will be at the ballot box on May 17th.

I have struggled with this question as a tax payer. I coined the expression “runaway train” expenses. However, the most critical factor for me is the return on our investment. Will we get the quality and caliber of teaching that we will be paying for? Will this new budget be sustainable?

The statistics presented at the town meeting were a representation of how Groton compares with other communities in the Commonwealth but these are Groton’s children and Groton’s parents. My opinion on this question may be worth a hill of beans, but the opinion of the parents is what will count. They will determine whether we get a return on our investment.

My efforts as a Select-person has been, and will be, to bring have two major budget presenters to the same table, to work collaboratively to develop both the municipal and school budget with as much information shared to plan for the future. The real work will begin when and if the override passes both towns. Will we be making cuts in both budgets? Or strong arming sustainable future expenses?

I support the override and I support the work ahead of us.

Anna Eliot