Last Monday, we learned the school district is facing a $3 million budget shortfall this year. Last year, more than 30 staff positions were eliminated under less-severe conditions. Without new revenue, even more cuts are inevitable. But is this what we want? A school system with limited curriculum options, inadequate services and classrooms packed to the gills? Many people are starting to say “no.”

It’s important to remember that countless people have moved to Clarence over the years specifically because of our excellent schools. As a result, Clarence has been one of the few communities in Erie County to gain population during the last decade. What happens when our schools start losing their edge? It’s quite simple: people leave, home values decrease, tax revenues drop and services for all citizens — the sick, the elderly, etc. — deteriorate.

The point is everyone living in Clarence should be concerned about cuts to our schools. And we should demand the administration and School Board avoid them at all costs. That means turning over every stone to save/generate revenue but also helping citizens understand the real implications of the tax cap.

New York, as a whole, is over-taxed. That’s true. However, did you know that on a house assessed at $200,000, a 2 percent increase on the school levy would be an extra $57 per year? A 5 percent increase (which would cover most of the budget shortfall) would cost the same household $142 per year. Also consider that one of the big reasons for the budget deficit is that teacher pensions were pillaged during the real estate bubble and bust. Why penalize students for this?

The time has come for the citizens of Clarence to come together and stand up for our schools. If you care at all about the future of our community, please get involved by emailing: keepclarenceschools great@gmail.com.

Brendan Biddlecom
Maple Street
Clarence Center