Spend It

School Superintendent Andrew Ravenelle unveiled a $45 million budget for next year, which includes a $3.3 million increase from last year.

The School Department should get the increase it desires.

With at least $2 million in state Chapter 70 coming in, it means Fitchburg would be on the hook for $1.3 million of the increase. Considering textbooks, computers and maintenance would benefit from the increases, these simple needs should be fulfilled.

Interestingly, these items were the focus of override talk earlier this year. Ravenelle, who has done a good job lifting up the School Department, takes a longer, more thoughtful view by dealing with these things through the budget, rather than making a play for an override.

Without a doubt, the budget hawks are sharpening their talons, furious over the thought of spending any new money on anything. However, a strong education system is vital for any community, and while Fitchburg has a long way to go, the reality is that money will have to be spent to make it better.

Fitchburg's future is partly based on convincing young families to move to the city. Fiscal folks cower at that idea, because young families suck up city services (code for expensive kids in schools). However, Fitchburg's future needs these young families to grow roots, be active in the community, and make Fitchburg their own. Those families won't move into the city unless they can be fairly certain the schools are getting better.

There are some parts of this budget plan that gives us pause, such as funding for new "'achievement counselors,' who would focus on helping students reach their educational goals," as the Sentinel notes. We're not sure how we got through school without "acheivement counselors," although we're guessing our parents and a teacher or two someone managed to fill that role.

We want our city leaders to spend our money wisely and thoughtfully. Putting money into the budget for textbooks and computers leads us to believe that is Ravenelle is doing. Hopefully the city understands the wisdom of spending $1.3 million more on what is one Fitchburg's most important entities.