Hundreds of students, families, and teachers rallied last night in front of Enfield Town Hall fighting back against proposed budget cuts that would eliminate at least 121 teaching positions, slash elective classes including art and music, and decimate afterschool clubs and sports.
“Losing a quarter of your school staff is an unacceptable cut,” CEA President Kate Dias told the crowd. “Every one of you has the opportunity to remind the elected servants of your community that they are obligated to hear your voice.”
Enfield Teachers’ Association President Emily Hulevitch said that shrinking budgets are undermining teachers’ ability to give their students what they deserve. “Our students are being denied the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Behind the speakers teachers stood on the steps of Town Hall holding 121 pink shirts to represent the 121 Enfield teachers who have received pink slips.
Superintendent Christopher Drezek proposed a 8.68% increase to the school budget. Town Council members have discussed an increase of 2% or less, which would necessitate devastating cuts to schools.
Danielle Gerard, a concerned parent and the chair of Enfield Community Advocates said, “I have hope that the voices of everyone gathered hear today will also encourage others to speak out. We cannot allow the Town Council to continue to put a Band-Aid on our school budget.”
“I’m here because I want to make sure that my teachers, the people who make me want to come to school, don’t get taken away, and almost all of them are pink slipped right now,” a ninth-grader said.
“Two of my favorite teachers are being cut next year, and that’s not okay,” said seventh-grader Gweneth Russell.
Her mother Jennifer said she’s lived in Enfield her whole life and in recent years has seen the school budget cut again and again. “The budget shouldn’t be cut any more—it’s crazy.”
“I see music as my future, and if the Town Council takes that away, that takes away what I see as my future,” said a junior proudly wearing his band uniform.
Students and teachers address Town Council
During the Town Council meeting that followed the rally several students who spoke during public comment invited the Town Council members to attend the high school’s upcoming band concert this Thursday to see firsthand what they were proposing to cut.
“Music has been important to me my entire life,” a student said. “I recently participated in the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, which I couldn’t have done without the music department here at Enfield High. Afterschool activities are also a big help when applying to colleges. Colleges look for students who are involved with their school. If students cannot do extracurricular activities, that can have an impact on their future.”
“I’m a special education teacher, and I stand before you tonight not just as an educator facing potential layoffs but as a deeply concerned member of this community and a parent,” Sheri Spaulding told Town Council members. “While I understand the need for fiscal responsibility, I urge you to reconsider the impact your proposed budget will have on our children’s futures, particularly those children with special needs.”
Spaulding explained that special education thrives in a well-resourced general education environment and cautioned that budget cuts could open the school up to lawsuits for not complying with students’ IEPs—ultimately costing the district more money.
“I’m here today fighting for my teachers who got me where I am today, sitting where I am today. I’m fighting for all the teachers at Enfield High who’ve made an impact on my life,” a student said.
“Our teachers are not just here to teach us our educational curriculum; they’re here to teach us love, compassion, and how to treat others,” another student added. “They’re not only here to teach us our math, our English, and our social studies; they’re here to teach us how to be actual working human beings in this world. We are the future.”
“We need electives because they ensure the mental health and the well-being of students,” a high school student said, citing an art class that has allowed her to make friends and rediscover her passion for art. “This class is the reason I get up every morning, looking forward to going to school. I know that this class can benefit and help future students in so many ways.”
Tearing up, the student continued, “Our teacher was so passionate about every project we did, and it hurt me seeing her explain to students that this class can’t run next year because of the budget.”
The Enfield Town Council will vote on the town’s education budget May 20.
