We are Mineola School District residents who are very concerned about the school bond issue. While those who are in favor of it have many avenues of publicity available to them, those of us who feel it requires much more work and streamlining before passage have only letters to the editor columns at our disposal. This isolates people into thinking they are a minority.

Many issues need to be resolved before passing such a huge sum of money. There are many items that are not included in the present bond that will be subject to regular budget votes in the future as the years go on. The additional impact of the bond on the regular budget for the next five years will be as follows: 1999-2000, $206,016; 2000-2001, $209,055; 2001-2002, $407,741; 2002-2003, $318,849; 2003-2004, $330,402. These figures only include new staffing (professional, technical, custodial); utilities; and furniture. To repeat, these figures are in addition to the regular budget! We will, therefore, have no choice but to pass these budgets having committed ourselves to the bond spending. While many of the items listed for repair or refurbishment are necessary, as well as additional space, it should still be possible to trim or postpone the bond vote until we have all the figures regarding the entire cost.

For example, the amount of money for upgrading technology is quite large considering the fact that software is not included in the budget vote. We hired a PR firm to sell the bond issue to the community. At what cost? There are currently hundreds of videos circulating that supposedly show all the problem areas the bond will cover. Again, at what cost to the taxpayer? Thousands of buttons to be worn by children?! Do we really need this media blitz. We have also hired the CELT organization. Originally budgeted for about $50,000, the cost to the district to present is approximately $300,000 and still growing with no end in sight.

We are by no means a wealthy community with unlimited resources. We want the best for our children but that does not necessarily mean spending our hard earned money.

We urge you to vote "no" for the school bond.

Concerned Mineola School District Parents