Letter to the editor: Downsizing the wrong place

Editor:

As someone who has subscribed to the Saratoga Sun for some forty years, and seen the newspaper’s ups and downs, you are to be commended for carrying substantive information and opinion about the Encampment arts program. I would observe, however, that opponents to cuts in the program may have missed the most compelling arguments. First, the foundation for all learning is built in the primary grades, and earlier. Second, exercises in the arts encourage creativity in all fields, something which is becoming more and more essential to thrive, indeed survive, in today’s fast-changing workforce.

Rather than dismantling art programs, school board members should give serious consideration to eliminating the position of school superintendent; and rotate the superintendent’s duties among the district’s school principals. Even by providing some extra money to the principal who serves temporarily as superintendent, the district will realize sufficient savings to support one, if not two or more full-time teachers.

John F. Freeman

Encampment (part-time)