It's that time again - time for the [Hicksville] Board of Education to immerse themselves in budget planning. And this year, that budget planning may prove to be a more daunting task than in years past due to the rumored state budget situation.

By this point, all residents should have received the district mailing listing all budget meeting dates. These dates were also published in last week's Hicksville Illustrated News and they can be found on the district's school calendar. As stated on the mailing, "these workshops are designed to enable residents to better understand and participate in the process."

I hope that people avail themselves of the opportunity offered - an opportunity to get involved and informed. Find out what may or may not be included in the 2003-2004 budget. With such an extensive schedule of

meetings, none of us can justifiably claim "sticker shock" in May.

Dolores Garger