Benet Pols, Brunswick Town Council President, took the time answer my published Questions for the Board regarding the school budget, and on behalf of the citizens of Brunswick I thank him for responding to me in the middle of a crucial time for the council. Though it was not mentioned in Times Record reporting on the budget, those millions in surplus that were noted were applied to the following years’ budgets, thus reducing the amount of funding needed for that year.

I also took the time to scan the actual budget, which is over 100 pages, sacrificing a little of my sleep time. That’s the least I could do after slamming the council.

It appears to me that some “sluff” is included in the total budget in case it is needed but then if not used it isn’t spent needlessly but offsets the next year’s requirements. (I think listing of the reserve funds appeared around Page 86 so it is accounted for…). Looking at the overall size of the cost of running Brunswick schools the million dollars of excess funds each year becomes a really small number.

Also, looking at my questioning of other expenses the amounts are a very small percentage of the total though I still believe the Tech allocations (which includes personnel as a separate entry from equipment) could be reduced as I mentioned. It was pointed out to me that students often don’t take care of their computers. I think parents should be charged if a computer needs to be replaced because of negligence, and/or the student should be required to do community service, such as helping bus dishes or sweep floors. Benet also pointed out class sizes at HBS School are now 20 to 25 pupils and I stand corrected. I will support the 2013-14 budget vote in June by voting Yes. Thank you to a council member who realizes he works for us taxpayers.

Winnie Silverman
Brunswick