I must take a moment to comment on a recent paid political announcement that appeared in the Manhasset Press. One of many such articles, expressing the opinion of one individual.

First, the article takes aim and expresses a less than professional opinion against one individual on the BOE, the president of the board. Typically, the board acts as a unit, these people serve as volunteers, the personal attacks against one or any individual member of the BOE is out of place.

Second, the individual who writes, functions in a vacuum. This person does not come to board meetings, only sits on the sidelines and takes aim. The motives of this individual are undetermined. What motivates this individual seems to go beyond normal activism of a community member. Since these paid political announcements are paid for with personal funds, I think the community has a right to know the what and why of these attacks. The author of these paid political announcements has been invited to numerous meetings etc. and has never participated. Only written more letters from the sidelines.

Third, there may have been a time when all of the attention to the financial status of the school system was due. But, that time has passed. Changes have been made by this BOE. The tide is turning. Yet, the paid political announcements continue. The venom has no place. It is divisive. If the community wants information - come to a BOE meeting, you are not getting information from these paid political announcements. Read the releases on the website. Join the Board's List Serve for e-mail information...the point is to get direct information.

Fourth, most recently, the paid political announcement made inuenindo reference to the new asst. superintendent for finance. Possibly, the best assistant superindentent for finance we have had in a long line.

This BOE brought us Austin Gavin, who, in his eight weeks tenure is reviewing every budget line.

This BOE gave us a new accounting firm.

This BOE has brought on a new auditor and process to go with it.

This BOE has re-thought the finance office.

Every member of the community has his/her right to express their opinion. That is one of the tenants of our government and educational process. But when that free speech becomes a wedge in the community, we must all stop and take note. This BOE is the most transparent board in recent history. Come to a meeting. Call the BOE office. Send an e-mail. Just don't believe all that stuff you read in paid political announcements.

Carlo Prinzo

Parent

Community Member

Business Person

Chair CAC Finance