I am writing in regards to your article on April 22, concerning the Southern Cayuga School Budget.

As a graduating senior, I encourage voters to vote yes to the proposed 2008-2009 school budget. In past years I have seen the effects that budget cuts have on a school and feel that many things at Southern Cayuga are necessary to keep, such as sports, clubs, teachers, and faculty. The students are the people that will be affected by your vote.

If the community votes no to the proposed budget, the school administrators will have to make more drastic cuts in the after-school programs and teaching positions will be cut as well. By cutting after-school activities and sports, students will have more free time and fewer activities to occupy their free time. Thus they are more likely to start experimenting with drugs, alcohol and other illegal activities. Cutting teaching positions, means fewer teachers to teach students and fewer classes available for students to take.

These students are the future of our community and country. As an employer, would you want a student who just had a basic education, or do you want a student with a well rounded education to work for you? I urge every community member to consider voting yes to the proposed budget on May 20.

Anna M. Slocum

Locke

Slocum is a senior at Southern Cayuga High School