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Schools

The School Budget: One Vote Wearing Two Hats

As a parent and taxpayer it is necessary to balance educational initiatives with fiscal responsibility.

 Every year at this time, when the school budget is presented for vote, I and so many others are forced to wear two hats representing seemingly competing interests. As the parent of a student in the the town’s educational system , including the staff and programs offered, are of paramount importance; as a taxpayer, the bottom line is the cost, particularly in economically difficult times. 

This year, the public vote is on May 17 and, while the school board may continue to tweak the budget, it appears that it will represent a 2.4 percent increase from last year’s, which is generally consistent with prior years’ increases.  At the same time, although the budget does include some cuts, they are not nearly as drastic as proposed in many other Long Island districts during this ongoing recessionary period.  For example, at this point the reduction in positions appears to number less than 10 and includes some positions that were contemplated at inception to be temporary.

 Thus, from my perspective, as an overall matter, the budget does seem to represent a compromise between  educational initiatives and fiscal responsibility. While I do not have a direct stake in some of the positions that the school board has recently decided to restore and incorporate into the budget, I recognize, as should other parents, that our individual parochial interests cannot be the deciding factor. For example, I do not have a kindergarten student who would benefit from a social worker on premises, (which position was removed and subsequently restored) but know that early intervention is important not only for the child but also the community, and, in particular fellow classmates, who will be negatively impacted by untreated behaviors.

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 Moreover, like many Plainview residents, one of the attractions to raising a family here was the enduring of the public school system.  Thus, while I cannot countenance steep budget increases in a difficult economy, I want to remain true to that value and can reconcile support of the budget containing a modest increase, with my position as a taxpayer since property values are contingent in large part on the educational reputation of the town.

 That being said,  there are ways to continue to add value to the school system without increasing the price tag to taxpayers, who include an aging population with fixed incomes.   At one public school board meeting a parent suggested looking to the community for donations of  unused digital cameras, for example. If that concept were expanded into a concerted effort, the school system could undoubtedly obtain- through donations- equipment and materials, whether for technology or athletics.  In addition, the school board must be comprised of members who represent the competing interests that comprise this town- educational advancement and fiscal responsibility- making the election of members this May all the more critical.

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