In the local press and the Bulletin Board, the school district newsletter that is sent to taxpayers, we read of the many activities and accomplishments of our Hicksville students and staff. This is certainly commendable and important.

However, other than at budget time, the public receives little updating of factual personnel and financial information. Each month the board votes on these matters, but no summary of information is forthcoming to the public after the vote, i.e., who is retiring, the number of teachers being hired, contracts awarded, union settlement agreements, percentage of salary increases in relation to the C.P.I. of 1.8 percent, etc.

As a taxpayer, I believe this type of public information is as important as how we are doing academically as a district. The board should be representing the residents of the entire Hicksville community, not just the parents of school children.

As the new school year begins and the board is putting in place its procedures for the year, perhaps a summary of the action items voted on by the board could be given to the local press as part of community relations. It would inform the public and give a more balanced overview of how we are spending our tax dollars to achieve our goal of academic excellence which, in my opinion, certainly needs improving.

Helen M. Lafferty