To the Editor:

On April 17, the Princeton Regional School (PRS) operating budget for 2012-13 will be voted on. Some may be inclined to refuse the one-percent increase — everyone is making due with less, right? Well, PRS is dealing with a lot less. In 2010, in addition to drastically reducing state aid to PRS, the state took from the district 1.7 million dollars — savings for capital expenditures. Governor Christie has ignored the mandates of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, leaving the district with losses in the millions, even given the increase in state aid (still not at the mandated level) proposed for next year.

Superintendent Wilson and the school board have juggled and cut over the last few years while still protecting core academics. If the school budget is not approved on April 17, what will get cut? The obvious “extras,” arts and sports. School is an environment where students learn about who they are and how to navigate life. As parents we try to provide a diverse range of opportunities for our children to explore the world and flourish. Schools do the same through the extra-curricular activities they offer. My three children are involved in the exceptional music program our district offers. My two oldest children play in our phenomenal and acclaimed Princeton High School Studio Band, where they have had the opportunity to travel and represent their school with pride. The experience has instilled in them a sense of discipline and confidence. The band room is their home away from home. For other students, home may be the stage, the art room, the newsroom or the gym.

Teens in Princeton are faced with so many negative temptations, from drugs and alcohol to computer and TV screens. Please vote to approve the school budget so PRS can continue to provide so many extremely positive options for our students.

Lisa Marcus Levine
Linden Lane