The extraordinary event was organized by a grassroots group of local parents and education advocates that sprang up within the last month. The Coalition of Citizens for Avon (CC4A) came together as the Board of Education began considering a series of budget proposals for the next fiscal year.

In a town once known for its excellent schools, services have been degraded by a succession of defeats at the polls when previous boards proposed more expansive budgets. But this year, Avon's Board of Education responded to the call to rebuild the district's reputation and unanimously approved a budget that would preserve and even restore services that had been cut in the past.

Council 760 and Paraprofessional Council members who are the education support staff and paras have been concerned about the impact of a growing student population in the district's five schools. Chapter I93 Co-President Pam Shand was quoted sharing an example of how workloads have increased as support staffing levels have fallen in an article on the rally and budget hearing in Tuesday's Hartford Courant.

(Note: Pam's comments were edited so it was construed by some that school secretaries complete individual student's college applications, and not that they support the Guidance Department staff in the process.)

Members were already planning to speak out at Monday's budget forum and advocate for the resources needed to provide Avon's students the quality education they deserve. When they learned that a community coalition had formed and was organizing a rally that night, they jumped at the opportunity to help make history.

Chapter I93 member Shirley Moy was one of the first to speak during the public hearing. She urged support for Avon school officials' budget proposal, explaining that that education cuts made in the past had already put students' futures in jeopardy.

Member Lori Angelbeck submitted a written statement to the finance board in which she described some of the ways in which she and her team of school secretaries work "as a well-oiled machine" to serve students and parents.

In her statement to the board, member Lori Sigan helped officials understand how she and other computer media tech assistants work to make sure Avon's students are ready to receive a 21st century education.

Pictures of our members and the record-breaking crowd of supporters marching and speaking at the forum are posted at our photo gallery.

When the finance board reconvened on Wednesday night, our members were there to witness an expected vote on the proposed education budget. Against the will of the majority of Avon residents who rallied and spoke in favor of preserving school services, officials passed a scaled-back proposal that puts current and future students' education at risk.

Going forward, our members will be assessing the likely impact of the proposed budget on the services they provide. The position of parents and taxpayers in CC4A is also important because of the role they will play when the budget is sent to a town wide referendum on May 12.

While we analyze this proposal and determine its potential to help or harm the education of students in Avon, stay tuned and stay engaged.