'No' vote may feel good but the kids get hurt
R. Francis Thomas, Middleport
Tuesday, June 08, 2026

It has been a year since I finished my three-year term as a board member for the Royalton-Hartland Central School District.

I promised to stay involved, but this past year I have tried to avoid an ulcer and forget the stress and anger that built up over my term. I apologize for not staying involved.

This year, I feel I can safely say that the entire community is embarrassed by the behaviors exhibited by the current school board and the administration. The board’s treatment of Robin Laubacker has shocked and disillusioned both community members and students. Many community members and I commend Robin Laubacker for standing firm to her convictions. During my term, I saw far too many board members struggle to make a decision only to vote against what they believed in their hearts to be right.

Budget decisions to cut programs, yet increase the administrative portions, did not sit well with the community. Nor did the decision to not let the public vote on the middle school plan.

If there is any question as to why the budget was defeated, let me answer it for you. It went down because the public is not happy with the school board and superintendent. People are saying that they cannot stand their “arrogance” any more, and people are tired of nobody listening to them. I urge the public to get involved with the school. If you are happy or unhappy, write letters and send copies to the commissioner of education if you feel it necessary. Go to board meetings and listen — and then speak loudly about things that concern you.

Question the actions of the administration and board if you don’t like them. Applaud them if you do.

But do not punish the students by voting down the next budget and forcing major cuts to non-mandated programs. The sad reality is that programs such as art, music, and sports have been cut in other districts and it could happen here. Like many of you, I have been unhappy with the superintendent and board of education for years, but expressing your displeasure with him and the board as you did on May 18 may just damage a struggling district further.

A “yes” vote is not an indication that you support the actions of the school board or the superintendent. It is a vote to support programs for the students.

Please vote “yes” at the next budget vote today (June 9) in the Junior/Senior High School. I will.
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