Kudos to Chief Sherrill and his folks. I'm curious though, what accreditation means. If so few departments earn it, it doesn't seem like it's required like, say, for the high school. Can anyone expand on what it means to be an accredited department? Thanks, Christopher Gale View Comment

No, I am not an admin. I used the term "Admin note" because my main concern was that you would be confused with me. I simply had an admin concern... I pretty much ignored the meat of your comments. I make a point of signing posts. It irks me that I might be confused with you. Plain... simple... end of story. -Christopher Gale View Comment

Apathy is unfortunate. Still, also means my vote carries greater sway. View Comment

For the record, I believe you can never spend too much on schools. I think that pouring money into education (when you have it) will mitigate a lot of other problems in the long run. That being said... When a Rutland rep on the school committee states, "My town is absolutely devastated," she said. "This year, they're bleeding out. They will shut down the library, they will shut down the senior center, they will completely eliminate the part-time police force in my town, making it a very dangerous situation for 8,000 residents. However, I have to support his budget because I'm supporting education — the cuts to us are just as severe and catastrophic," it becomes apparent that blind advocacy for a single cause has its limits. This statement goes beyond advocacy - it shows willful ignorance of other, frankly, very important issues. Yes, the school committee is mandated to adovcate for the students. However, single-mindedness in the face of an overwhelming and contrary reality is advocacy wasted. Put someone on the committee that can address our complex challenges realistically. Mr. McWaters seems up to the task. -Christopher Gale View Comment

Sheesh Dawn! Can't focus just 'cause you've got a little girl hanging on each arm while you're typing? Next time tell that bum-of-a-husband of yours to take the kids and give you a few minutes of peace. -Christopher Gale View Comment