To the Editor:

I am distressed by the recent school board decision to fund jackets for the Franklin High state championship football team.

I am proud of the team’s accomplishments, and I am proud of the young men and their coaches. However, I wonder how the board “found” $5,000 to pay for these awards.

Cuts in personnel and academic programs have just been announced. I don’t understand the school budgeting process, but this doesn’t make sense to me. Can other money be “found?”

The budget presumably does not plan for unexpected events such as winning a state championship.

Franklin citizens and athletic boosters, proud of the team, held fundraisers for awards. Wouldn’t it have made more sense to find out how much money was available before deciding what the award(s) would be?

The decision seems fiscally irresponsible. If you don’t have the money, don’t spend it.

Cara Butler

Franklin