Editor,

I am the parent of a fourth grade student. I recently heard the news of the extreme cuts to our faculty and to the SPED program.

It is absolutely unacceptable to put budget above the needs of our kids. How is this going to impact the students who require the most support?

I moved to this island and enrolled my child in Coupeville schools after discussing the wonderful opportunities and support that the program provided. I have been beyond happy with my child’s progress; due to the support, acceptance, encouragement and love my child has received in the last six years.

Hearing about these cutbacks is beyond devastating. We can’t afford to lose the people that support our kids on a daily basis.

If this goes into effect, what are the plans going forward? How do you propose to accommodate these students without the appropriate staffing? And how will these cuts help us provide the necessary support and guidance these kids desperately need?

Please reconsider, and let me know what I can do to stop this from happening.

Jeni Larsen

Coupeville