At the meeting of the Community Liaison Committee last week, the discussion was largely about school taxes and the new STAR program. At one point Manhasset School Board member Bill D'Antonio, well known for the sharp eye he keeps on school spending said, "A lot of new programs are coming down from Albany that simply have to increase the cost of doing business--higher standards, pre-K, special ed, technology. Where will the money come from?" and Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli said, "It's not easy being a school board member."

Amen.

Even in a school district like Manhasset which has received such good publicity these past two weeks that real estate agents must be beside themselves with delight, it's not easy. At last week's board meeting, for example, a petition was presented to the board signed by more than 200 parents requesting the restoration of a second science teacher in the elementary schools. Their request appears to be most reasonable and the board will undoubtedly give it serious consideration. In the past we have seen similar presentations by parents concerning class size, redistricting of students and even the celebration of holidays

School boards must work closely with school administrators and there is always a chalk line to walk. If they always take the administration's position they run the risk of being "rubber stamps." If they frequently take an adversarial position to the administration, chaos can result. The role of overseer is a crucial and a difficult one.Their role is of great significance in the community and it's often thankless. They serve without pay and they come in for a great deal of criticism no matter what they do.

Why do they do it? Because, like the rest of us, they want the best education possible at a cost taxpayers can afford and they're willing to put their time and effort into achieving it.