RSU 18 School Board members, parents, teachers and administrators have worked for months on next year’s proposed budget, which strikes a balance between the ability to provide quality education and the need to control costs.

This was no easy task, given state funding has continued to decrease in our district over the past four years. Taxpayers can find solace in knowing that as education costs are shifted to local communities, RSU 18 has worked hard to reduce costs.

The proposed 2013-14 budget is less than this current year’s budget in proposed spending.

Many residents would like to see greater investments made in our schools. At the same time, we recognize and appreciate the good work of those who have been hard at work and involved in crafting a sensible budget, one that doesn’t rob our kids of the education they deserve and takes into account the tough economic times many continue to experience.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday.

Ann Woloson

Belgrade Lakes