To the editor:
In recent months, I attended various public meetings involving the Rockport School Committee and Superintendent of Schools, Susan King.
At this time of year, the focus has been on analytical budget preparations, programmatic and staff changes if the annual budget isn't approved at the upcoming Town Meeting and the ballot box, and missions and dimensions of effective education in Rockport.
It is most impressive to observe the seriousness and concern of the School Committee, the Superintendent and those citizens who offer comments and raise questions. This is the essence of democratic principles in action with civility.
Public education in our complex and diverse society is a difficult topic to comprehend. There are those questioning its rising costs; others disturbed about proposed cuts that would reduce educational opportunities and programs; and others concerned how any school budget increases their tax bills.
Schools and their staffs are involved in all sorts of major issues involving children, their families, and the community. They are primarily responsible for educating children to become effective members of the society.
All of this costs a great deal of money.
We are well beyond just a simple schoolhouse. In the long run, however, we cannot afford to reduce programs and experiences within the educational system. If we do, we will ultimately pay later on in more ways.
We will have denied adequate and comprehensive learning experiences and these students will be far less prepared to pursue higher education in science, mathematics, business and the liberal arts; to fulfill jobs requiring advanced technical training; and even being effective adult citizens. America must have well educated, highly prepared citizens for the 21st century's competitive global/national conditions, or we will fail as a great nation.
Having been a college professor for almost 40 years (now retired), I can attest to the benefits of sound, innovative elementary and high school educational experiences directly influencing learning advancement capabilities later on. We cannot short-change Rockport's present and future students, and those who send their children to Rockport by choice.
Rockport voters must remember this when they decide on the school budget now and in the future. The quality of the town's educational system has direct bearing on the overall quality of the entire community, including its real estate values, its spirit, and its positive characteristics and values.
JOSEPH N. MUZIO
Normanstone Drive, Rockport
