To the Editor:

I have two sons who have received wonderful educations at Canton Central School and for this I am forever grateful to the many teachers, administrators and board members who have worked so hard to make this possible.

There has been much in the news recently about budget cuts at schools throughout the country due to the trickle down effect from the country’s economic melt down in 2008 and we are not exempt. It’s unfortunate, but hardly surprising since reduced business income and property values generate reduced tax revenues and these fund our schools. Such hard times require that we all think seriously about what in our schools is essential and what is not, that we find ways to educate our students in ways that cost less and that we all share in contributing to the funding shortfall.

My sons say that a few of their teachers have told them that their legislature and governor are ruining education in this state and that it is a terrible time to be a teacher, teaching is not valued any more. The newspapers quoted their superintendent saying that their school may as well be shut down if budget cuts next year are similar to this year’s reductions. Friends have told me how administrators are randomly cutting all the best programs such as music and athletics with no foresight. While I know times are hard, I do not think such statements are accurate and that they contribute to a sense of fear in our children that is not helpful.

I believe that Canton and other schools in the North Country can continue to provide a wonderful education to our students, but things will be different, they have to be. I believe taxpayers will need to pay more, students will have larger classes and fewer extracurricular activities, and that the employees of our schools, including teachers, need to contribute more to their health insurance and pensions. Salary freezes for the next year or two may also be necessary. This is nothing employees throughout northern New York and the rest of the country have not already don to remain financially solvent in the face of economic decline.

People before us have dealt with adversity and found ways to keep our communities and schools vibrant and strong. If we work together, think creatively, and stop pointing fingers at each other, we can get through this and come out stronger and even better in the end.

Carol Gable

Canton