Anyone involved in the school system knows that Friday, Jan. 15, was a no-school day in the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District.

The additional day created a four-day weekend that culminated on Monday, Jan. 18 with a day of observance and celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

However, last Friday represented far more than a day off from school. Friday was a furlough day for the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District, a day when members of the teachers’ association, members of the custodial and maintenance union, administrators, directors, and support personnel voluntarily agreed to an unpaid day off saving the district well over $100,000. 

Along with the furlough day, our teachers decided to forego course reimbursements, and the custodial and maintenance staff voted to reduce their budget for new uniforms. 

Although the recession has had a serious impact on the district, their generosity and concern for children saved positions and significantly reduced widespread lay-offs which would have been detrimental to our students, our classrooms, and our towns.

On Saturday, Jan. 30, the district will present the budget for the 2010-2011 school year amidst an economic climate of uncertainty and slow-paced recovery.  As we look ahead, it will be more important than ever before that we all remember that the children of Whitman and Hanson are our greatest responsibility, our best investment, and our future citizens.  Most certainly, the participants in the furlough day understood that very well.  Special thanks to all who contributed to making this year’s budget work for students.