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03/29/2023 08:00 AM

Vote ‘Yes’ April 18


I want to voice my support for the Town of Guilford and the Board of Education budgets and encourage community members to do the same.

Senior meals have increased 34% over the past five years. The program is projected to serve 45,000 hot meals in fiscal year 2022-’23 and deliver over 35,000 meals on wheels. The transportation program transported 7,900 passengers on senior buses for shopping, drug stores, or other errands in Guilford and for medical appointments in Guilford and area towns area last year, as well as a variety of day trips to museums, theatres, shows, and restaurants. Weekly programs for Guilford Seniors provide opportunities for weekly exercise, language, and art programs providing another opportunity to keep our seniors active.

We must continue to support the important services our town offers. As a member of the Guilford Youth and Family Services board, I know that the request for their services, many continuing to stem from the long-term impacts of the pandemic on children and families, remains high.

Our public schools continue to be among the best in the State. Most recently, Guilford ranked fifth on the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Accountability Index. This index provides the most comprehensive, holistic measure of how well a school is preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Importantly, Guilford achieves these high standards while spending less per student than most districts that outperform us. The proposed 2023-’24 education budget continues to provide for safe and healthy schools while thoughtfully utilizing teachers and academic coaches to further student learning and meet mandates.

We must continue to come together as a community to support our town and our schools. I urge you to participate in this important budget referendum. Vote “yes” on April 18.

Suzanne Carlson

Guilford