Editor's note: This was a response to 'Anson's' question under Mr. Rosendahl's previous article.

I just came from the RTC meeting and Mr. Hosmer the chair of the BOF asked me the same question.

I sit on the EastConn Board and have attended several other board meeting around the State in the last month. All administrators have started the “budget meeting” with something like this: “I want to state up front at the beginning of this meeting that I will NOT take a salary increase and will take a salary cut if needed. I feel cuts will have to be made and I will not ask my teachers and staff to take cuts unless I take the first cut.”  This sets the stage for everyone working together and I have not seen a coming together this inspiring in the 15 years I have been following education.

Leadership is earned not hired.

Back to your and Mr. Hosmer’s question; I think cuts have to come from all corners of our education and Town budgets. I stated the above observation at the last BOE meeting directly to Dr. Baran and did not even receive a response.  I feel that the BOE needs to ask the Superintendent and administration to take a leadership role and take their cuts first before asking the teachers, and yes even the Academy.

I was informed by one of our selectman that all town employees have voluntarily agreed NOT to take salary increases this includes union and non union staff.

I believe in the townspeople of Woodstock; Allen Walker is a leader and has earned the Town’s respect.

Now, if we can see some leadership from my board the BOE and the administration; that’s the Superintendent and all three Principals, yes, we have three principals, and the teachers. Much healing that Woodstock needs could happen. If this happened, I believe that the Academy would join in.  Gosh I feel like singing Kumbaya. By the way, Mr. Hosmer and I have agreed to cut our board salaries in half.

All joking aside, this will show Woodstock how our school administrators and teachers feel about our students and their chosen profession.  Many of your fellow townspeople have taken cuts or lost their jobs. We can beat this together and save some teacher’s jobs.

So tonight we have a special BOE meeting to vote on a special budget needed to comply with the required timelines (7:00pm WMS Cafeteria)- please come and let the BOE know how you feel. I have been promised it will be a short meeting. (Agenda -HERE- )

If you cannot make the meetings; write, call or email the Superintendent make sure that you ask that all BOE members be copied and your messages be read at the next BOE meeting. 

As always I am speaking as a parent and townsperson not a sitting BOE member.

Steven Rosendahl