We, the taxpayers of Newfane, Townshend, Brookline, Jamaica, and Windham, send this request to the Supervisory Union (SU) Board. We want the Board to support students and academics, we want the SU to be transparent with the public, and use money wisely.

We strongly disagree with any more cuts to student programs, staff who work directly with students, or the WRED budget. These things have a big impact on students and maintaining them should be the top priority.

Since there are fewer students now, and the number is expected to drop below 550, we ask the Board to take another look at the Supervisory Union (SU) budget. They should make sure they have tried to save money in ways that do not hurt students.

Right now, the SU has three high-level administrators making well over $100,000 annually with huge pay increases each year. Before cutting teachers, the Board should carefully review whether all central office jobs are needed and if they should be full-time, can be consolidated or made part-time.

We ask the SU Board to put students first, take another look at how the district is run, and make sure all decisions clearly support student success, and the property tax increases asked of the taxpayers.

Sincerely,

The Taxpayers of Newfane, Townshend, Brookline, Jamaica and Windham