As a resident of Mansfield since 1996, it is with pride that I tell people I live in Mansfield. My husband and I chose this town because of its reputation, its phenomenal school system, rising property values, and the obvious value that is placed on maintaining its infrastructure to high standards. ALL OF THAT is in jeopardy. We, as a town, are at a critical juncture. A perfect storm of sorts initially presented our town with a $6.7 million budget gap (the schools portion was $5.7 million). After the schools made 1 million dollars in cuts, the school gap was reduced to $4.7 million. Because it was determined that Mansfield was not meeting the Foundation Budget set by the state, it was revealed in a recent School Committee meeting that Mansfield may receive $1.8 million in state funding. As a result of additional cuts/savings, the school budget gap now stands at $2.4 million which is an enormous gap.

I fully support the advocacy group, Stand For Children in saying, NO More Teacher Cuts, NO More Program Cuts. Our school district has done a phenomenal job at educating our children despite the cuts that have been made in recent years. Further cuts at the schools would have a devastating impact on the education our children receive and ultimately, in turn, our town’s reputation and property values will be grossly affected. Do we not want what is best for our town? Our elected boards and officials, unions and tax payers need to step up to the plate to work together and take part in the solution. It is everyone’s responsibility! For our schools. For our children. For the sake of our town. We need to stand up and do what is right.

Please consider attending the next Mansfield Stand for Children meeting which will be held April 7th, 7 – 9 in the Community Room of the Mansfield Public Library.Members and non-members are welcome.