A story on page 1 of the 10/16/03 issue of the Manhasset Press stated that the current student population of the Manhasset Schools is 2,717. I do not know if the number 2,717 includes persons in part-time continuing education courses.

However, I will accept 2,717 for the below calculation.

My current school bill indicates that state aid is $2,791,500, and that school and library taxes of $57,706,785 are being levied. The total of the two preceding amounts is $60,498,285. I deducted the assessed value of $50,823, 292 times the library rate of $4.45 per $100. Accordingly, the net amount is $58,236,649.

When I divide 2,717 into $58,236,649, I arrive at the amount of $21,434 per student.

In regard to the prior year's numbers, I arrived at $18,944 per student.

I request that you ask the readers of the Manhasset Press is $21,434 per student excessive?

John O'Shea