Schools need support from local residents

Editor,
We are at a tough economic crossroads at this moment. Our state government is making radical and severe cuts that affect our schools, our community and, most important of all, our children.
There are cuts coming down on the schools starting next year that have to be made. I have talked to many concerned parents, and all have their various arguments to what should be cut.
Problem: what does the school board cut that makes everyone happy? Nothing! Personally, I don’t like any of the cuts, but fact is, it has to happen.
Now, as citizens of this community, the ball is in our pocket to muster the support for our schools and children. We all need to get involved, whether it is to help out and/or donate funds to support all causes.
There are several involved in sports boosters and other organizations in the community who don’t even have children involved, but they do it because they care. Well, more of us need to care and get involved.
At a personal level, I am the head of Vandalia Field of Dreams, active member of the sports boosters and part of the Vandalia Health and Fitness Complex Committee.
But I, like many others, are supportive of other organizations supporting our youth: YMCA, band boosters and so forth. With the recent band benefit concert, there were several people involved to help out who don’t have children in band or even in school anymore. But they willing to come together for a great cause, several being about 10 or 12.
I have been in talks with several others about doing some various fundraising events and advocating that all have to unite to make our schools and children successful.
The bickering among all organizations as who is more important needs to cease; our children and their futures are the important keys to make our society better.
I am not originally from this community, and my youngest child will be graduating here in May.
I am not writing this letter or staying involved because of my own children, but because I care about the community I am living in at the moment.
So my challenge to everyone in Vandalia is – get involved.
Thomas J. Lucken
Vandalia