I previously suggested, in a letter published in the Manhasset Press of Oct. 26, that the expenses of the Manhasset School District be reduced, by permitting Manhasset parents to arrange to have their children educated elsewhere, in exchange for reimbursement of that expense to some extent. I did not consider the suggestion to be in the nature of a philosophical discussion.

We in Manhasset have a wonderful organization, the Tower Foundation, that has been a blessing for our local schools and the children attending them. I wonder, though, if its stated mission - to assist the Manhasset School District itself, with direct, voluntary financial contributions towards the district's expenses - might be amended, or if other organizations and volunteers might not step up in our community's time of need. What is, or should be, our first priority is the children of Manhasset, not the school district as such.

In order to enroll the ideal number of children in each grade, each year (considering Munsey Park Elementary School's capacity and the district's budget), the Tower Foundation (or some other charitable group or groups) could figure out how many excess children are expected. Then, they could figure out the amount of scholarship money, for a private school, that would entice the parents of that number - no more and no less - into removing their children voluntarily. The amount would be the same per student, for any given year and grade, so as to avoid any charge of favoritism, and it would be available to the parents of any child eligible to attend that school (the amount should be low enough, so that not too many children are removed).

(Of course, those and other charitable groups, and the private schools themselves, should also continue to offer need-based scholarships and other financial aid, which could supplement the basic scholarships for those eligible.)

Presto! The free market solution to public school overcrowding, until the state assembly and the state senate get their act together, and approve school vouchers, which would be even more equitable.

Gary L. Donoyan

Chair, Nassau County Libertarian Party