Educated voters make the best choices

I am surprised at the quality of information provided by the High Point Regional School Board and/or its administrators which, in my view, makes it difficult to know if the revisions are appropriate. As two examples, Employee Benefit costs in the new 2010 budget are estimated to rise from $3,266,508 to $4,090,892 — an increase of $824,384 or 25 percent. As another example, the cost (operating costs not capital) of the library will rise from $237,639 in 2009 to $397,165 in 2010. That is an increase of $159,526 or 67 percent. What would cause such large increases in just one year? While I believe the revised budget is balanced, if the School Board wants voters to support their budget proposals, they might consider spending more time educating voters as to its contents, not just referring them to a complicated Internet site or sending out a somewhat unclear, unsigned letter. I believe in maintaining high educational standards and good schools. Real estate values do better in areas with the best schools. And our kids’ futures make a big difference to me, the community and our country. Education is the School Board’s responsibility, including voter education. John Mueller Lafayette