Defeat The Repeat

To the Editor:

I attended yet another BoE Budget meeting. Usual suspects in attendance. Couldn’t see where the PTA members were hiding their pom-poms. However, in a $98 million dollar budget, they really sharpened those pencils and found a whooping $284,000 in additional savings. Later we were regaled about the marvelous achievements our students were making on the state tests. Little mention was made of the dumbing down of those same tests by the Education Bureaucracy so that they look good. Much effort went into this presentation, they really earned my vote. NOT!

Of course the Board and Administration would never show the citizenry WHAT savings that could be achieved by freezing the union salaries. Nor did they show us WHAT additional savings that could be achieved by increasing the Healthcare contributions from 15% Individual/25% Family to say 30% Individual/40% Family, while eliminating ALL Village contributions for Vision/Dental. They should try getting in line with the Private Sector, otherwise known as REALITY! Wage cuts, not freezes, across the board are the norm and benefit contributions are more in line with my recommendations. These are called “What If Scenarios” and would allow the voters to make a more informed decision. I do not think the Education Bureaucracy wants an informed electorate; more in line with their dumbing down practices!

The Education Bureaucracy, including the PTA, continue to threaten the parents and students with draconian program cuts. Meanwhile, the unions go unscathed. A few FTE cuts here and there, but no significant savings and rising student/teacher ratios. Additionally, under the Contingency Budget we cannot cut union wages or benefits. You can see how the unions have corrupted our elected officials.

It is time for the taxpayers to break the stranglehold of this Education Bureaucracy and let them know we, not the unions, not the Administration, not an ineffectual Board, are in charge. Tough economic times call for tough decisions which the Education Bureaucracy will avoid, but the taxpaying citizens of this Village must seize! Carpe diem!

Thomas P. Brosnan

A Considered “Yes”

To the Editor:

I am writing as the parent of two teenagers currently attending the Garden City Public Schools. For several weeks I have read about the outrageous cost of our school system. I have heard criticism of our teachers and our schools from parents who’ve decided to send their children to private school. This has caused me to take a long hard look at my experience with our district before I vote on the revised budget on June 15th.

I’ve had both good and bad experiences with our schools during the 12 years that my children have been in the district. Some teachers could not figure out how to motivate my son. Others have done a masterful job of engaging him, encouraging him and supporting him. My daughter has been disappointed because she was cut from teams she truly wanted to play on. However, she learned that life is competitive and the harder you work, the more you achieve. When she was considering leaving the district to attend a private high school, several teachers reached out to her, pulled her back in and provided her with the opportunity to become the accomplished, confident musician she is today.

I have been at science fairs in the elementary schools where the kids were genuinely excited about their volcanoes and mudslides and electrical experiments and I have I tried to understand the complexities of the presentations made by some of our high school science research candidates as they explain their projects with as much excitement and passion as their elementary school peers do.

Watching the football team win the Long Island championship was as exciting as seeing the Marching Band parade down Main Street in Disneyworld. Seeing the award winning kick line bring the crowd to its feet cheering, and listening to the chorus nail a song from the TV show Glee, also bringing the crowd, albeit a different one, to its feet has shown to me that there is room in our schools for all of our kids, no matter what their interest.

I have attended graduations at our high school and have witnessed young people moving on to some of the best colleges in the country. I have also seen teenagers that other districts would have given up on and whom private schools would not have accepted, walk up to receive their hard earned diplomas with pride and dignity.

Upon reflection, I’m very pleased with our school district. Of course there are things that could be changed and costs that could be trimmed but I think my children are getting a very well rounded education. On June 15th, I’m going to vote “Yes.”

Catherine Burdi

School Budget Reform?

To the Editor:

On April 2nd I promised myself that my letter ‘The Yearly Budget Shock’ would be the last one concerning the by now traumatic school budget fiasco. However, I now realize that my admitted defeatism was premature indeed. Reading the letters written by several residents and published in The Garden City News edition of May 20th, I was encouraged to break that self-imposed promise in order to express my congratulations to the writers of those letters. Indeed, I also join in loudly saying Hallelujah!. A miracle has occurred! The majority of the voters loudly expressed their long accumulated fatigue and voted an overwhelming NO! The budget was rejected. However, I also feel that it is premature to chant victory. The School ‘brass’ has requested a re-vote accompanied with a warning in which I sadly detected a thinly hidden veiled threat that the elimination of several student programs will immediately occur. For a few moments, I had the dark thought that perhaps that ‘addendum’ could be interpreted, by some, as blackmail. A terrible thought indeed but plausible under the circumstances. I continue to firmly state that our children are entitled, deserve the best possible education and care. That is unquestionable and non-negotiable but please, don’t use them as pawns to request tax increases. The time has finally come for the ‘school honchos’ to admit and to respect the property owners rejection of the ‘unavoidable’ yearly, seemingly eternal, budget increases. The financial crisis is still here, very much alive and well and promising to remain around indefinitely. The time has come to tighten belts and to accept the will of the people of the Village. They have spoken. It is their plea and it is their vote.

Antonio Moreno

Vote Yes On Budget

To the Editor:

I am a parent and not an expert on the school budget or finance. I have been very involved in SEPTA and the PTA, especially at the middle school and high school level. My youngest child is now a senior at Garden City High School. I support passing the school budget. There are many things I don’t know, but here are three things that I do know:

1) The high school has made tremendous strides in recent years. GCHS would not be the well managed, clearly disciplined environment it is without the extraordinary administrative team of its new principal, Ms. Nanine Cuttitta, and assistant principals, Mr. Dave Perrotta and Mr. Kevin Steingruebner. These individuals work tirelessly making sure that every student, every classroom, every teacher and staff member, every planned co-curricular activity, right down to every car in the parking lot, is safe and secure. Together with the faculty, curriculum coordinators, and parents, they work hard to create an educational environment that has great richness, depth, consistency and scope.

2) We each have things we wish were better about the delivery of educational services in our school system. But, for parents, it would be much preferable to be consistently involved during the year in an active attempt to address our concerns by shaping curriculum and educational policy, rather than venting frustration by voting “no” on budget day for any one of a myriad of possible reasons.

3) A second defeat of the budget would place many decisions affecting our children’s programs outside of the hands of our Village’s elected school board and we would be surrendering the governance of our school system - one of the Village’s greatest assets — into the hands of State bureaucrats in Albany. It would take years to recover from programs lost to a contingent budget and our children would suffer the arbitrary consequences in the meantime.

Please be involved in further improving our schools and vote “yes”

to the school budget on June 15th.

Marcia Kelly

A House Divided Can Never Stand

To the Editor:

The rancor and negative environment at the school board meeting is a particularly ominous sign for which all resident should be very concerned. The school board, the school administration and the residents are truly a house divided. We should not expect the quality of our children’s education to improve or be balanced with the effective management of cost under these circumstances. Both sides are not helping the situation; the school board, the administration and the residents are mis-stating facts, engaging in petty snipes, obnoxious dialogue, politics to play up to the local press and sophomoric behavior.

After witnessing this house divided, the school board moved for a re-vote on the original school budget with some very small alterations. By taking this action the school board has dared the residents of this town to challenge the status quo. The board has decided to gamble with our children’s quality of education and our money, because should the vote fail again the board must go to an austerity budget which essentially means they would be required to cut an estimated $2.6 million dollars. The board’s threats are that these cuts will fall heaviest on the children, not the staff. I believe most were hoping the board would have heard the no vote and presented a more middle ground budget that puts forth manageable cuts to spending of 1% to1.5%.

In defense of resubmitting the same budget the board declared surrender in regards to making any further cuts. To paraphrase the board, we have gone line by line and do not see any area where we can cut spending. With an increase in spending of 4.2% this year, this should scare you. Expect exponential increases in your tax bill as we cross the $100 million dollar mark in 2011.

Residents must get involved! Forty people at the May 27th meeting is very discouraging for the long term health of this community. After many years of being an armchair resident I realized my children’s future and the health of this community are very much entwined. I have seen this community like no other rally around institutions such as local hospitals, individuals such as Charlies Champion’s and draft an army of volunteers as the Men’s Association does to improve our community. It is time for the same mental firepower and vigor to work with those we hired to represent our interest with the school board and the administration.

Get control of cost or be controlled by costs. It is a horrible choice but I believe the choice before the residents is either for short term pain or long term pain, (as in next year). To be clear, it is the allocation of spending and general approach that all previous expenses are fixed, it is NOT the level of spending per-se. Of course some attention to bending the cost curve, (i.e. tax levy) down is simply critical to the long term health of any community.

It is unfortunate the board was unable to accomplish any budgetary reform and pursued a strategy of challenging the residents on the status quo. Don’t worry the world will not end, property values will not fall, the bond rating will not be affected, (mis-stated fact) rather let a no vote and your future participation be the first brick in rebuilding a strong working relationship between the residents and the board.

Peter Mullahey

Good Budget

To the Editor:

I write to you today because I have concern for our children. The Garden City School District Re-Vote will be held on June 15th and I hope the community votes “YES”. My husband and I moved to Garden City over 10 years ago primarily because of the wonderful school district. I have attended every BOE meeting and BOE work session on the recently failed budget and have, and will continue to go to every meeting on the amended budget. Although the failed budget was not perfect, it was educationally sound and fulfilled the educational goals that I have come to expect in our district. As the PTA director of Stewart School, many parents have come to me with concerns about the budget this year. Primary concerns from Stewart parents are class size, differentiation, and the science program. I can assure parents that these concerns were brought to the Board by the Executive Committee of the PTA and have been addressed. Class size guidelines were adjusted back down to 25. The Quest program is secure at the elementary level and enrichment programs are in place at the middle school for children who are gifted. Science has always been the classroom teachers’ responsibility. Lab time will be provided to students with their classroom teachers as well as the science club expansion which has been so well received. I have confidence in our elementary principals and teachers to continue to work with parents on our children’s specific needs as well as educate us about what goes on in the school. If the budget fails again and Garden City is forced into a contingency budget, none of this is guaranteed! Our children will suffer!

Laura Roukis,

Stewart PTA Director

Before You Vote, Know The Facts

To the Editor:

Last week it was reported that the School Board had reduced the 2010 school budget by $284,000. This is not exactly true. After carefully reviewing each item in their $98.5 million budget, the School Board eliminating purchasing $13,000 in calculators and $8,000 in financial assistance provided to 15 GC students. The remaining $263,000 were from a State program that was signed in the last 10 days. This amendment enables teachers to retire 5 years earlier with full benefits. If Garden City did not participate, we would have to contribute to the State fund without receiving any benefits. Although this is being presented as a huge savings of $250,000 per year, its does absolutely nothing to address our personnel costs. We did this 10 years ago and although it is a short term fix, it only kicks the financial tin can down the road. It was clear at last Thursday’s budget meeting that this board will not consider reductions in personnel in any form. It is this reason that if you do CARE about our schools and the quality of your children’s education, then you must vote NO on the School Budget re-vote on June 15th.

Although wage freezes by the administration are helpful, we must reduce our personnel costs of increasing salaries and benefits for our over 700 employees. Even if we just hold everything where it is today, we will see additional programs eliminated every year. If your children are not affected this year, they may be affected next year. Remember, if we reduce one position @ $70,000, you can add another $35,000 in benefits. That is over $100,000 for one person. Eliminate 10 positions and that is over $1 million. It’s that simple. I know that no-one wants austerity, but if it does happen, don’t blame the people who voted no. Rather, you should blame a School Board that has shown an unwillingness to address the financial reality that we are all facing today. Please consider these facts before you cast your vote.

Robert A. Bolebruch

Disappointed,

But Voting YES

To the Editor:

Many of us are quite disappointed with the cuts included in the proposed school budget. In fact, a majority of voters voiced their displeasure by voting down the budget. We absolutely share the outrage of many residents about unsustainable teacher salary increases, unrealistic benefits, and burdensome mandates. We are concerned about the quality of our children’s education and the potential decline of the outstanding reputation that the Garden City Schools have historically held.

Most troubling to us is the district’s decisions to eliminate the Quest program at the Middle School, to reduce from 2 to 1 the teachers dedicated to this program at the elementary school level, and the elimination of the elementary science specialist. These proposed program cuts are small in the scope of a $98 million budget, but they represent critical programs for many of our children. In some cases, these cuts reflect a shift in philosophy which fails to acknowledge the specific needs of students who require additional educational challenge. With the removal of Quest, for example, the Middle School curriculum will no longer include any gifted or honors programs.

So why do we favor voting for the budget? We are voting for the budget in good faith that the district will address and consider the many important issues that have surfaced over the past few months. This budget season has brought many issues to light - issues that cannot be resolved immediately. An important dialogue has begun on both cutting costs and enhancing our children’s education. There is very little to be gained by voting down the budget at this point - labor negotiations will still be ongoing, taxes will still increase and more programs will be cut. However, our vote next year is not a ‘sure thing’ - it will certainly be contingent upon the Board and Administration’s response to these concerns.

Ellen Subramaniam

Victoria Allen

Provide Transparency

To the Editor:

I am an informed voter and a parent of 3 school aged children. By my own admission until May 27th I have not been an active participant in any BOE meetings. That night I attended the school budget meeting to get some perspective on our current situation. I asked 2 questions. Neither of my questions was answered directly by anyone on the panel and remains unanswered despite rearticulating them via e-mail.

What concessions were asked of our unions for the budget at hand? If the board and our administrators did not ask for renegotiations then I would say that they failed. If they asked and unions were not responsive I think it’s important that the community hears that message. I was simply and respectfully told that the topic was off the table. That is unacceptable to me. Particularly in these economic times district employees do not in my opinion deserve blanket raises at the expense of our children. Undoubtedly there are stand out individuals that may deserve consideration and there are others who likely should be asked for further concessions, but that is not the way our unions work.

Building on that I asked: What is the 10 year plan is to address what is to me a glaring issue in respect to total compensation? (Growing healthcare costs, sizable pensions and excellent salaries.) The question was simply avoided. Another member of the community asked the panel more directly “Do you see the financial train wreck coming?” The Board responded that they recognize the issue and agree that it is a problem but do not believe it is insurmountable. All I’m asking is for those reasons to be articulated to the community. Provide some transparency and some benchmarking so that you can explain to us why we need to either continue at the pace we are going to maintain the level of education our children receive or highlight the steps we are going to take to stop the run-away train and get back on track.

Those working in our schools cannot be expected to be paid and treated like professionals in the public sector unless they are willing to act and be held to the same standards as those same professionals. I truly believe that the unions limit our ability to work the budget effectively and fairly.

In my eyes we cannot continue on the current trend of year on year tax increases, 4- 5% this year - how much next year? How about the year after that where we have agreed to a 2% raise to our administrators already? We have seen a 37% increase to our tax levy in the last 7 years! The taxpayer has clearly spoken the question is “Is anyone truly listening?”

I walked out of that meeting with no improved clarity, disappointed in the suggestions made by our superintendent to further reduce the budget and with an overwhelming sadness that the worst is still ahead of us. I suspect based on that night’s meeting we’ll revote on a virtually unchanged budget. People will either vote yes because they feel backed in a corner and this the only option to avoid a contingency budget. Or they will vote “no” again and our children will lose even more. Either way we have major challenges ahead of us as pension and healthcare costs continue to rise and state funding follows the downward trend it is on.

Kathy Derkasch

Need Better Turnout

To the Editor:

It has come to my attention that the voter turnout for parents with children currently attending the Garden City public schools was less than 30%. If that’s the case, it is no surprise that the budget was voted down. I was a student in the Garden City schools, the father of three students in the Garden City schools, and now the grandfather of four students in the Garden City schools. Garden City is known for its cohesive community and its support of its educational system. Vote yes on June 15th.

Scott Finegan

Teachers Go The Extra Mile

To The Editor:

I’ve been hearing that there are lots of complaints about the teachers having salaries and benefits that are too high and that’s why people voted NO for the school budget. I don’t really understand all the issues but I wanted everyone to know one thing: when I had the opportunity to run an important race in Detroit last summer, Mr. Cuzzo and Ms. Fregosi (spring track coaches) paid for their own plane tickets to come and support me. Whenever our track team goes to Nationals, Ms. Fregosi pays for her own plane tickets and hotel room. In my experience at Locust, Stewart, the Middle School and especially the High School, the teachers and coaches go above and beyond. No amount of money would be enough for all they do.

Even though I’m graduating this year, I hope you vote YES for the school budget so my little brothers and all the kids in Garden City can benefit like I did.

Emily Menges

Where Are The Flags?

To the Editor:

Driving around in town on Memorial Day this past weekend I was surprised and more than a little disappointed that there were very few American Flags displayed on houses. Memorial Day which honors our fallen should merit some participation by our citizens.

Thomas Mc Laughlin

Kudos To Music Department

To the Editor:

As a parent with a child in the Garden City Public School, I am writing to compliment the High School music department for the fabulous effort made by the music students and their teachers at this year’s Spring Concert, held May 26th at the High School. It was wonderful!! Those of you unfortunate enough to miss this event missed something truly special.

The students of The Concert Choir (Stephen Mayo, Director), the Orchestra (Margaret Gullotta, Director) and Symphonic Band (Brandon Psenicka, Director) entertained those assembled that evening with a polished and exciting performance. The students conducted themselves onstage with a professional demeanor which must have made their teachers proud and impressed those in attendance.. Performances of this caliber are of course also a reflection of the work of the music teachers who spend years painstakingly encouraging and correcting their students . Under their teacher’s direction, these music students advanced and polished their skills, and thereby were able to present the community that evening with as fine as performance as you are liable to see anywhere. This event was, in a very real sense, the culmination of many years of work for both teachers and students.

All the music teachers involved and the students who performed, should know how very much their work was appreciated by those of us who witnessed that evening’s performance. Thank you for a wonderful memory. I’m still smiling!!

Leslie Dimmling