The school committee faced the stressful task of configuring our school budget for next year, and as they discussed cuts, students showed overwhelming support for their school staff.

Throughout the month of March, committee meetings were held to discuss problems and possible solutions to help resolve the school’s budget issues. There was talk about cutting teacher positions, administration positions, and so many more that caused an uproar of worry and concern from the community.

Students like senior Anjo Kordis were inspired to attend and try to understand the decisions that would impact the lives of students. Though a senior and almost at the end of his time at Masco, he, along with many other seniors, still has much care for what happens once they graduate.

“It’s important for students to show up because it’s a part of their civic duty…you have a voice you should definitely use it,” said Kordis.

As the school committee developed various scenarios to cut the budget, they published the often complex details during their meetings. However, many students were able to access helpful information through an anonymous Instagram page run by students called johndoe31025. The students running the account knew the type of information their peers would be able to understand and what they would be worried about, so they were able to successfully put important information about these meetings into posts and stories that made it much more digestible.

“What made me want to create the Instagram account was kind of the inaccessibility of information for the kids…and I think that we just wanted to provide a more accessible space for students to get their information,” said one anonymous member of the Instagram account.

Many were left disappointed by the final decisions made by the committee, which involved the need to eliminate positions like a nurse and librarian. Furthermore, the towns will now need to vote to accept an override, or more cuts may be in the future. However, this should not discourage students from continuing to show their support. The students were able to make a strong impression and show that they cared. This fight is not over and changes can still be made. Students 18 years or older are still able to vote in May in each of their respective towns. If you feel strongly about this situation, it is highly encouraged that you vote and encourage others to do so as well.

High School Librarian Assistant and parent Michelle Voner has been vocal at many of the meetings and was thrilled to see students taking action. Many students lined up with signs in front of the library during meetings, voicing their opinions on the importance of school administrators and teachers, because ultimately this will impact their education.

“I was extremely overwhelmed with the support,” she said.
The voices of students were clearly heard, as school committee members consistently applauded them for their activism and listened to their pleas. Committee members seemed to consider alternatives to plans, like those that involved combining departments and eliminating department head positions, because of the overwhelming student resistance.

Students who would like to learn more about the current situation involving Masco’s budget cuts can check out @johndoe31025, who is still updating with new information on how members of the Tri-Town can make a difference.

Now that you know more about the impact students are capable of having in our community, don’t be scared to be loud and make your voice heard.