On May 18, the school budget failure rate was 38 percent island-wide. The school budget failure rate was 100 percent in the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District. Superintendent Joseph Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Bonnie Palker failed to realize that after years of large spending increases and county-wide property reassessment, school district taxpayers have had enough. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to realize that last year's failed school budget was a wake-up call. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to realize that presenting a 14.1 percent spending increase at this year's first budget hearing was an insult to all concerned. Then they failed to realize that a cut in a proposed spending increase is not a cut. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to start the budget hearing process until after they knew the exact kindergarten registrations and transportation applications received for this coming September, and the April 1st, 2004 County Tax Assessment Roll for New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District taxpayers. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to realize that this year's School District Budget Notice post card was not sufficiently proofread. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to realize that scare tactics and secret meetings with vested interests will not enamor them to school district taxpayers. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to read local newspaper article after article quoting taxpayers stating that they would not support any of their proposed budget spending increases. Not at 14 percent, not at l2 percent, not at 10 percent, and not at 9.8 percent. Superintendent Rudaitis and Assistant Superintendent Palker failed to realize that their fantasy 14.1 percent spending increase proposal could end up being a stark 2.76 percent spending increase reality.

Edward W. Powers

New Hyde Park