Fitchburg's Education Shame

We did some quick math this morning, and we're disgusted to figure out that Mayor Dan Mylott is cutting the city's portion of its education funding by about $100,000. We're not talking the overall school budget, we're talking the portion the city pays for education.

First, the numbers:

It appears from all signs that the city will receive the Senate's Chapter 70 aid figure of $38,844,166. That's a $2,400,968 increase from this year. It was reported earlier this month that the School Department's budget request of $45 million is a $3.3 million increase from this year.

So, that means roughly $900,000 of the $3.3 million increase would need to be picked up by the city. But Mylott has cut $1 million out of that $3.3 million increase, not only eliminating the $900,000 city pickup, but also leaving $100,000 left over.

When a young family -- the lifeblood of a community trying to move itself forward -- considers where to move, inevitably mom and dad ask themselves the question, "How are the schools?" A good education system is an important cornerstone for any community. Fitchburg schools are struggling, and its reputation is in tatters.

So why is the city cutting its investment in education? Whatever Mylott's motivations (and while there were some interesting observations in yesterday's comments section here, he hasn't really given a good reason), the end result is less money for the city's schools.

We've been blogging since December, and there's been a lot heat, both in posts and in comments regard Mylott and his tenure. This situation is far and away the most disconcerting both politically and in terms of policy.

Remember, Mylott silently sat and watched (literally) as the School Department put together a budget he had no intention of approving. Then, he released his plan without notifying anyone. No courtesy call to the superintendent or the School Committee. It's either blatant, disrespectful disregard, or shocking political tone deafness. You choose.

More egregious, however, is the policy. Mylott is reducing the city's investment in its most important enterprise. A school system that desperately needs a helping hand is instead getting a kick in the head. This is a move that further handcuffs a school system that can't afford textbooks.

Rest assured, if Mylott runs for mayor again next year, this is an issue that will return for a full, campaign-style vetting.

So, here's my plea: I'm pretty sure some elected officials (beyond Dean Tran) read this blog. Between a few things I've heard from folks and some of the written comments, I think at least a few are reading. Please, check out the math at the top of this thing and ask questions -- publicly -- about this decision. This is a tragedy not just for the schools, but for the city and its reputation. A full accounting is required.