We congratulate Dr. Bozzomo, his administration and the board of education in delivering last Thursday evening a budget that directly responds to many of the concerns that have been raised by the community in the last year. The board and the administration have taken a courageous, good faith step by delivering a first draft of the proposed 2004-2005 school budget that looks for greater efficiencies in every area of the district. They certainly deserve the community's support in that this budget draft shows clearly that they have listened to and heard the community and delivered a prudent, fair and painful budget that merits serious consideration and review. No stone has been left unturned in the search for cost reductions, and the recommendations that Dr. Bozzomo has made will certainly spark lively and necessary dialogue in the community regarding the breadth and the quality of education that the community wants to support.

As we parents and community members review this proposed budget, the next phase of the budget process, an extremely important one, begins. This proposed budget asks everyone to give a little, and it is extremely important for everyone to speak up and let their preferences be heard. We all have a responsibility to let the board and the administration know how we feel, and perhaps this proposed budget will begin a community wide dialogue about the specifics of the educational program that our community wants.

As we consider the proposals - or lack thereof as in new programs - we must ask ourselves: Are we letting the vocal negative members of the community rule the decision making process? What is most important to each of us and to the educational program of the district as a whole? It is always prudent to review and evaluate programs and course offerings, but as a concerned community we must decide at what cost. What is more important: class size or a slightly larger budget? Would we rather offer our children science or an a.m. bus run? Do you offer a breadth of foreign language at the secondary level and skip elementary foreign language? Everyone will have to bleed a little in this budget, but each of us has the right to speak up. We can listen to each other, work together and come to a consensus as to what is the best solution for everyone involved.

We know there are many negative voices out there. Where are those who support the district and its fine, broad educational program? We need to hear you! Please speak up, in order to be heard. If you cannot make it to a board meeting, touch base with Dr. Bozzomo (LBozzomoMP@Manhasset.k12.ny.us or call him. You can call your class representative, your SCA president, or a member of the CAC finance, or call or email us! Only then can we be sure that everyone's opinions are heard and considered.

Regina Rule regrule@att.net

Ellen Albrechtsen

Jodi Fera

Lisa Goring

Jane Lightcap

Johnna Lombard

Laurie Spampinato

Barbara Kelly Vessa