MPSA (Manhasset Proponents for School Accountability) is a community-based organization that works in the best interest of the entire community. We are independent of the school board, administration, teachers and their unions. MPSA has gained community support in its effort to debate the issues concerning the escalating financial burden of school taxes. We pride ourselves in debating the issues in a professional manner. In our recommendations and positions, we respect the work of the educational establishment and are always mindful and considerate of quality education for our children.

As discussed by MPSA, school taxes may double every eight years for the foreseeable future, thus going from $14,000 now to $28,000 in eight years and to $56,000 in 16 years. As such, baby boomers may use approximately $2 to $3 million of retirement savings just to fund future school taxes. We were certainly pleased that the recent comments of a proponent for higher school taxes did not disagree with these numbers. As such, there is a general consensus by both sides of the issue that school taxes will continue to skyrocket. The new debate as suggested by the writer in last week's Manhasset Press is to "blame Albany," not the school board.

The writer's argument that "school spending increases are driven by many factors, most of which are not within the direct control of the board" appears preposterous, illogical, baseless and lacks financial details to support the thesis. If Albany or Washington is the real cause of higher school taxes then all school budgets would be approximately the same in New York State and, of course, we all know Manhasset's budget is significantly higher than most. On the MPSA website at manhassetpsa.com we list several examples of how the Manhasset School Board has increased spending, without any assistance from Albany. In the final analysis, it is the Manhasset School Board that negotiates and signs union contracts and administrator salary increases, which in turn account for approximately 75 percent of the budget.

The accusation that MPSA "blames," "criticizes" and "complains" is foolish. MPSA is debating the issues in a professional manner. The last thing this community needs is one-sided news flow by the school district and its inner circle of high tax proponents. The community needs independent organizations such as MPSA to challenge the status quo and bring focus to items such as management of the bottom line.

L. Pandelakis