Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am writing in response to Mr. McGovern’s opinion titled: “Local government is cause for concern.”

It is understood that numerous citizens attended a recent budget hearing and requested the Gloucester Board of Supervisors to fully fund Mr. Kiser’s and the school board’s proposed budget. The two boards were directed by the people, through the results of the last election, to rein-in spending throughout all departments.

The citizens of Gloucester have demonstrated their desires to have good stewards controlling the money and an effective, efficient and equal public education system. The BOS is charged with overseeing all of the county’s financial resources and the Code of Virginia allows them to either provide lump sum funding or categorical funding to the school system. If the mentality of the school board does not change soon, the method of funding could very well change. The school system is not a sacred cow or privilege...