Dear Stafford School Community,

I am reaching out regarding Stafford’s second budget referendum, scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at the Stafford Public Library. The proposed Board of Education budget represents a 3.7% ($1,148,113) increase over the current year. This increase is not driven by new programs or additional staffing; rather, it is primarily due to rising, unavoidable health insurance costs ($959,830) and transportation expenses ($355,660), even after we proactively reduced two bus routes. Following the first referendum, the Board adopted an additional $227,215 in reductions—bringing total budget cuts to date up to $877,812—and we have reached a critical point where any further reductions will directly impact classroom sizes, programming, and core student opportunities.

Please note that I am not asking you to vote one way or another, but rather asking for your active civic participation. An informed and engaged community is vital to maintaining strong schools and a strong town. Stafford Public Schools remains dedicated to strict fiscal responsibility and maximizing every taxpayer dollar while trying to protect the educational experiences our students deserve. 

Your voice and your involvement matter, and I encourage all eligible residents to come out and vote on June 2.