I am a parent of two daughters who attend Hall-Dale schools.

Recently, we attended a town meeting to discuss the school boards’ recommended budget cuts for the upcoming school year. A number of people spoke up concerning the cuts they found most objectionable.

Our family believes that the elimination of the (K-8) foreign language program that has been uniquely part of the Hall-Dale culture for more than 20 years would be devastating. Learning a second language gives children greater confidence and adds richness to their first language.

Children acquire and retain language best when they are young, and it gives the opportunity to develop an understanding of the differences and similarities in cultures around the world, which helps build a foundation of tolerance. The world feels reachable to children when they connect with faraway places.

We also believe it is essential to retain the two nurses’ positions. Too many children have medical issues requiring daily monitoring to take chances that a medical person might be unavailable.

Lastly, we believe we need to retain our education technicians. While we believe that the teachers in our schools are the best, the education technicians are a critically needed support system and, with the prospect of larger classrooms and the ongoing transition to standards-based education, we cannot afford to lose any of these valuable positions.

Hallowell and Farmingdale residents have always supported the school budget. Our community believes in our children and the importance of quality education.

We are now faced with a significant budget deficit. Our family would support alternative ways to avoid cutting programs and positions, even if it means a modest increase in taxes. We hope the community will support this decision. Our children are our future and we should do the right thing for them.

Julie Sipser

Hallowell