To the Editor:

As an outgoing senior at Guilderland High School, I know that the academic and financial impact that the proposed budget has on me won’t be too big. However, some of the items proposed in the $98 million budget such as smaller class sizes, and permanent substitute teacher positions won’t just benefit the students or day-to-day operations, but could also benefit the taxpayers and save the district some money.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Wiles said of the budget, “It puts student needs first and keeps our community and taxpayers in mind, as well.” As a current student of GHS and a future college student, I believe that putting students’ needs first is really important. This year’s budget proposal really does balance the needs of students and the community.

According to the district’s website, “Next year’s spending plan adds positions district-wide to support lower class sizes.” As a result, students will have an easier time in obtaining extra help from their teachers during class time and the classroom community will flourish. In smaller classes, students engage with students more and in-class relationships are built.

Last year, my chemistry class only had 12 students. While this seldom happens, the classes that have fewer students are better than the classes that are at capacity. During that class, I was able to bond with each of my classmates and I was able to speak with my teacher multiple times during each class session.

This helped me throughout the year understand the chemistry curriculum better and led to my good grade on my report card at the end of the year. I am positive in saying that not many people could be against a smaller class size. Would you rather want one full class with little teacher availability or multiple smaller classes to help students meet with teachers?

The budget proposal also includes the addition of permanent substitute teachers at the middle school and high school, two at each school. Adding these four positions could actually save the district around $47,000. Having permanent substitute teachers would not only save the district money, but would give some teachers valuable planning time instead of being asked to cover a colleague’s class. Having full-time teachers cover for other teachers is not only a very expensive alternative to a regular substitute, but also sacrifices teacher availability to meet with students during their office hours.

I encourage that you look at the “Potential Budget Changes and Rationale Impact” document on the district website as it goes into detail about the specific savings that a permanent substitute teacher would have on the district and why this change would be beneficial to students. This change could also save some money for taxpayers.

The two issues I wrote about in this letter balance student and community needs. Without a positive learning environment for students, how can they possibly graduate from the district with the skills they need for the real world?

The proposed changes in the budget also benefit parents and taxpayers because there are some significant cost savings along with the budget. I ask you to vote in favor for the proposed budget on May 16. Don’t just think about the financial impact this proposed budget could have on the district, but also focus on the students you are directly impacting with your vote.

Zach Connolly

Guilderland