From the sidelines, we have watched our elected officials — particularly our school boards and special education cooperative — make extremely difficult decisions.

The majority of the budgets of school districts and the cooperative is payroll. So when cuts are made, teachers and staff are affected by those decisions; and the decisions affect other important people — our children and grandchildren.

Faculty and staff who are losing their jobs are our neighbors, our fellow church members, our friends, and sometimes even our family.

Nobody knows how tough these decisions are better than the men and women on these boards.

What a tremendous responsibility!

This county is very fortunate to have caring and dedicated people on these boards. I know they have had some sleepless nights and troubled days, and they have wrestled with the decisions that had to be made.

All I can say is “thank you.” Thank you for your willingness to serve. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in making decisions.

These are tough economic times but it’s encouraging knowing that our elected school officials are competent and making the best possible decisions.

— susan berg