Editor’s Note: The Board of Education budget would increase by $2 million under First Selectman Terry Rooney’s proposal, from $74,700,763 to $76,700,763. But a total of $1,603,230 was reduced from Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza’s proposal for 2026-27 after revisions by the school board and first selectman.
To the Editor:
It’s budget season in Monroe, and once again the Board of Education (BOE) majority and the First Selectman have chosen the same tired solution: cuts, cuts, and more cuts to our public schools. On a party-line vote, the Board of Education cut $250,000. The First Selectman then cut an additional $1,603,230. That brings the total to $1,853,230 in cuts so far, with the Board of Finance still waiting in the wings and state budget negotiations only just beginning.
These reckless and thoughtless cuts are being made before the people of Monroe ever get a chance to vote in the annual budget referendum — the ultimate check on fiscal decision-making in this town.
The referendum exists so residents can decide what kind of community we want to be. Making nearly $2 million in cuts before that vote strips voters of meaningful choice and undermines the very purpose of the process. It would also be an exceptional addition to the process if the Town Council added an advisory question of “Too High” or “Too Low” to the budget referendum ballot, as Newtown or New Milford does, but I’m not holding my breath.
Is it not the fundamental duty of local government to provide an excellent public education? How many families have chosen to live in Monroe specifically because of our schools? The answer is obvious: many. And yet, year after year, education is treated not as a priority, but as a line item to be shaved down at the first opportunity.
The reality is that today’s classrooms are nothing like those of 30 – or even 15 – years ago. Education is no longer about memorizing dates and places, and regurgitating facts back to the teacher. It is about discovery, individualized instruction, critical thinking, creativity, and helping students develop original ideas they can carry forward into future grades and careers.
All of this takes time, resources, and an extraordinary level of professional commitment from teachers and paraprofessionals. They are already being asked to adapt to rapidly changing technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the evolving social, emotional, and academic needs of each new generation of students. Cutting resources only makes an already demanding job harder. All of these cuts come amidst a space crunch in our school system because we have so many students.
Consider an example: according to the Superintendent’s October 6, 2025, enrollment presentation, there are two first-grade sections at Monroe Elementary School, totaling 45 students — an average of 22.5 per class. If you have two dozen eggs in your refrigerator, line them up on your kitchen counter and imagine standing in front of them for an entire school day.
Now imagine that each “egg” is a seven-year-old child with unique academic needs, learning styles, and challenges. Maybe the teacher has an aide. Maybe they don’t. Maybe there’s a paraprofessional. Maybe there isn’t.
Now ask yourself: what would the experience be like for those children if there were three sections instead of two, bringing class sizes closer to 15 students? The difference would be enormous — more individual attention, more meaningful differentiation, and a far greater ability for students to build foundational skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
Those early years matter. Education is a cumulative enterprise, and the foundation built in k-12 determines whether students are prepared to serve their country, pursue higher education, or enter the trades.
It is also worth noting that less than $200,000 of the Superintendent’s proposed increase was for new positions. The rest of his proposed increase comes from contractual obligations — costs the district must pay. So where, exactly, is $1.85 million supposed to come from? Do we eliminate sports? Arts and music? World languages? Do we cut teachers, paraprofessionals, or the support staff who keep schools functioning day to day?
Perhaps it would be simpler to stop pretending these are thoughtful cuts and just eliminate fourth and fifth grade altogether — because that is how absurd these cuts are before the taxpayers of the town even get to weigh in.
This is now the second year in a row of massive reductions to Monroe’s education budget. How are we supposed to attract and retain high-quality educators when job security is constantly in question? What message does this send to prospective teachers deciding where to build their careers if their job is on the line every year?
The people of Monroe deserve a voice before these cuts are locked in. The First Selectman and BOE majority should not be balancing the budget by gambling with the educational lives and futures of Monroe’s children.
I urge the Board of Finance to restore the funding and allow voters to consider a full, honest budget at referendum — without preemptive, draconian reductions. I also urge residents to show up, pay attention, and speak out in the coming weeks. Your children’s education — and your property values — depend on it.
Nick Kapoor,
Monroe resident
Nick Kapoor is a Democrat who used to serve on the Board of Education and the Town Council.
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