Tough Decisions Loom in Plainview School Budget Vote

As budget belts tighten all over New York, Plainview and the rest of Long Island's school districts face difficult choices that could impact students for years to come.

Voters demand tax cuts, but then balk when the cut means cutting their own kid's program. Lives are impacted; in Plainview one position saved may mean another one is cut.

The has to walk the fiscal tight-wire and make those tough decisions to finalize its proposed budget. Then, on May 17, the voters decide.

The district has proposed a preliminary budget of $134.2 million, a modest 2.5 percent increase over last year's spending plan. The tax levy is 2.6 percent; the tax rate has not been finalized but is expected to be under 3 percent.

There are two positions on the school board up for re-election. Three candidates will vie for the two positions. They are incumbents Debbie Bernstein and Ginger Lieberman and challenger Charles A. Mazzocchi.

Because of the heightened interest in the fiscal affairs of local municipalities, Patch is committing considerable time and space to the issue between now and the May 17 election. We're looking for community voices to help us frame that coverage.

We'll offer video interviews to three school board candidates, asking them to outline their vision for the future of the district. We'll also ask community members to write articles from their own perspective about the budget issues. We're looking for people whose lives are affected by cuts. Are you an athlete's parent, or a fan of a popular innovative teacher? Are you a recent Plainview graduate, and can speak to the quality of education there? Are you a junior at JFK, and are worried about your senior year?

The stakes and the framework of the debate were illustrated at the most recent Plainview school board meeting:

The district, after learning some money in the state's budget had been restored and designated for Plainivew, board members discussed restoring positions. The idea was to restore an elementary health position and add a high school guidance counselor and fifth grade teacher.

"The first draft of the budget did not maintain the elementary health position," said Assistant Superintendent for Business Ryan Ruf, who said adding the position back merely maintained the program already in place.

A discussion ensued involving board members and some in the community. Some argued that health instruction could be handled by existing staff. Others argued that a qualified professional was needed to speak with children about topics like puberty and human sexuality.

The board voted 4-3 to restore the position into the budget package.

Still, the board was forced to choose between a guidance counselor and class size. The budget calls for an fifth grade teacher in order to keep class sizes down below 26-27 per class.

The board voted 5-2 to restore the fifth grade position, the same vote that opposed the high school guidance counselor position. It was another tough decision framing an ongoing debate.

School Board President Gary Bettan asked Ruf to find additional money in the budget's savings for the guidance counselor position. Bettan said some people in the district feel guidance counselors play an important role for district high school students.

The board meets April 26 at the Administration Offices of