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Time to Diversify

On Tuesday, May 14, there is a referendum that includes the Madison Board of Education (BOE) 2019-’20 School Budget.

It appears to me that the BOE 2019-’20 budget proposal is fiscally excessive, and does not consider the 2018 BOE adoption of a $100 million 10-plus year capital maintenance plan, declining town and school-age populations affecting our business sector and tax base, the macro impact of the proposed Connecticut tolls and state taxes on Madison residents, the rising residential and business property tax bills due June 2019, or the relevant and delayed restoration of Academy School.

Academy is a proper venue for a performing arts center, not at Polson School, as proposed. Rather, we should transform historic Academy into a welcoming home for all ages, and a home for The Shoreline Arts Alliance. The Academy Performing Arts Center could become an equal draw to attract new residents to Madison in the same way our beaches, Surf Club, sports facilities, school system, and the inherent charm of Madison does now. This plan will directly add to the vibrancy of downtown, the heart and center of Madison.

It’s time to diversify the Town of Madison budget. Let’s balance all of the town’s needs and plan for renovating the Academy School and the Surf Club and responsibly investing in our schools. Here is where brick and mortar will pay dividends.

Lurrae Lupone

Madison