Opinion : A Word From Former Board of Education Members

As former members of the Vinton, Shellsburg, or Vinton-Shellsburg Boards of Education, we wish to voice our support for the current board members and administrators facing unprecedented budget cuts. Unlike the Federal Government that can and does run at a deficit, school districts are required by law to balance their budgets. During times of falling public revenues, districts face extremely difficult choices. Board Members, administrators, and educators share a common desire to provide the best possible education for our young people. As a consequence, times like these take an enormous toll on those charged with managing limited funds and we encourage everyone to keep firmly in mind that no one is in favor of cuts, just as no one is in favor of sacrificing the educational opportunities we believe are vital for our students. Board members serve without pay or benefit. They sacrifice time with their families to help guide the policies and decisions they hope will benefit every student and every family. As they work through these difficult decisions please afford them the respect and appreciation they deserve. Thank you, Gerald Horst Chuck Juhl Wayne Seila Kurt Karr David Coulter Kathy Tranel Tom Husnik John Fish Jeff Brown Jo Sainsbury Sue Keller