Dear Editor:

I’d like to take an opportunity to express my disbelief in regards to a recent letter to the editor. It was printed that “The largest growing segment of the school population is students from other towns which has grown a whopping 70% in
four years.”

These statements are shamefully inaccurate. The “out of town” students population has only increased by 45%, or 28 students. More importantly, approximately 21 of these students are the children of our staff. Of those 28 students, seven are either paying tuition, or are otherwise funded by the state. Not even close to the $300,000 that was stated. The only “a raw deal and a slap in the face for Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor taxpayers” is, in fact, the misguided
information.

When adults are caught up in arguments over funding or priorities, it's often the children who suffer the most. It's crucial for school board members, trustee members, community leaders, and citizens to prioritize the needs of schools and
work towards solutions that ensure every child has access to a quality education in a safe and supportive environment. Ultimately, the well-being and future success of our children should be a top priority for everyone involved.

Providing commentary in a public forum such as the Boothbay Register, requires said information to be accurate. Stating false information and newspapers or any other media outlet is highly irresponsible and can have serious  consequences.

Not only are your comments misleading the public, but more importantly, creating unnecessary fear, panic, and confusion. Misinformation can harm communities, erode trust in institutions, and lead to negative outcomes.

Collaboratively, let's engage in open and sincere communication, always with the best interests of our students at the forefront.

Jenn Whitney

Boothbay