For at least the past 10 years of my teaching career, my biggest challenge was student apathy. I struggled daily to motivate middle level students and convince them that education was a crucial part of securing a successful future.

Well, I think I’ve figured out where those young people learned how to practice apathy.

For the second time, the RSU 4 school budget proposal was defeated. Now the school board is faced with cutting even more programs and positions. There is no doubt that those cuts will negatively affect the children of Litchfield, Wales and Sabattus.

The second budget referendum was voted on by only 400-plus citizens of the three towns. If that isn’t voter apathy, I don’t know what is.

Yes, we teach our children by example. It’s sad that not all examples are good ones.

Cheryl Ellis, Monmouth