The public outcry to the 19 percent increase in the superintendent's salary prompted the Manhasset School Board to issue a self-serving press release seven months after the fact, in an attempt to explain the scandalous $40,000 raise to someone of such short service. Their attempt to justify their actions clearly illustrates a lack of understanding that they are stewards of public funds. Even though the school board has an arsenal of letter writers and access to public relations consultants, the press release fell short of its intended purpose, which was to exonerate the board from any wrongdoing. In fact, the press release only emphasized the board's lack of transparency and accountability to the public.

Apparently the board does not comprehend the simple fact that the money they give away is public money and they have a responsibility to the taxpayer to openly discuss the merits of a 19 percent annual rise for their administrator. When they decided not to go public in July 2007, they demonstrated poor judgment and poor use of public funds. They did not improve the quality of education "for the children." They only increased the cost for the entire community. One can only wonder what else had been swept under the rug.

The magnitude of the raise given the declining economy, the attempt to blame Albany for the spending crisis when the school board approved the raise, the failure of the board to disclose the raise in a meaningful and timely manner are indicative of financial irresponsibility. I trust his will become an issue for any school board member considering re-election on May 20.

MPSA will continue to investigate examples of the board's largesse with public money. We invite the public to visit the MPSA website in manhassetpsa.com for additional information.

John Frangos