Dear Editor:

A public school system is the most important institution in any town that is fortunate to have one of their own. It is the heart of the community not only because of who it is intended to benefit but also due to the hard and noble work done there in the name of a brighter future for all of us. Liberal arts, technology, professional skills, life skills and team sports all contribute mightily to the well being of our children and to our republic. Educated people are more self-sufficient and free-thinking, traits Americans have long admired. And just like how freedom isn’t free, education is also not free.

That’s why I am so pleased with the high voter turnout for the Wiscasset School Budget Validation meeting last Tuesday. Around 160 residents voted and by a 3 to 1 margin they passed the budget for the 2024-2025 school year. What a great result with a great message: the people of Wiscasset care about our children and our schools. Of course they always have, but it’s easy to take institutions like schools (and democracy) for granted, so it’s good to affirm our values so dramatically sometimes. Please remember to vote again to pass the school budget at the June 11 referendum. Thank you.

Jason Putnam

Wiscasset