In response to Mr. Maher's letter of 3/24/99: "40 Million Does Not Fix the Problem," I would like to address a few points. Though they are not directly related to the bond issue, they are important to our community.

I agree that some educators in Mineola and other districts present excuses for poor performances, such as immigrant influx, and agree that more can be done to improve achievement. In my experience as a teacher in a school with a population not unlike Mineola, and in my own educational experience, I believe many teachers allow students to maintain their skill level if the students themselves, or their parents are not motivated to push them further. When this happens, teachers help maintain the status quo rather than provide social mobility and personal growth. I believe individual teachers are great motivators.

I take exception with Mr. Maher's general opinions regarding the quality of Mineola schools. Mineola schools have always had a good number of exceptional students who attend "top-notch" colleges, it also has a good percentage of students of average intelligence, who through good instruction and hard work achieve above average success. It is likely that it is these successful students, with the skill and discipline required, who are members of the first-rate band. Should those who demonstrate ability, skill and determination be denied access to further avenues of development until all succeed? His implication is that music education in not a worthy pursuit.

This is as absurd as his implication that computer and internet access are not needed in the school curriculum. Should only the minimal educational opportunities be offered until all have "caught-up." What sort of rating would our school receive then? How do you think students are admitted into "top-notch" colleges?

Mr. Maher makes the valid point that Mineola has too high a percentage of students that do not attain acceptable skill levels. This fundamental problem and the issue of bond approval need to be addressed without clouding the issue with unrelated situations. Maher's opinions are typical of those who base their school's ratings on the word of Realtors over realities. Compare, for example the school report cards regularly printed in Newsday. Mineola and neighboring Carle Place are pretty even, yet Carle Place is often referred to by Realtors as having "good" schools. Considering the significantly higher population of Mineola the percentages cited take on a more positive interpretation for Mineola. I suggest real estate hyperbole and prejudice determine peoples' beliefs and affect value. Mr. Maher's opinions without supporting data add to the hype.

The other neighboring districts of Garden City, East Williston and most of the neighborhoods that make up the majority of the Herricks School District are made up of families that are typically professional and have a higher income than most Mineola residents. Income very often provides educational opportunities outside of the schools. Mineola was never a predominantly upper-middle class village, though some of its residents are. The diversity in background and income within Mineola is not a fault, but a fact, and to some an asset.

Mr. Maher also makes an unfair comparison of immigrant influx in Herricks. The immigrants he speaks of are again typically well-educated families and many are professionals. This is not the case with many of the immigrants here, and while there is no reason that they, too, cannot succeed, to equate the two populations is wrong and misleading.

Research has consistently shown that the greatest indicators of academic success are parents' education, input and income. This does not mean academic success is pre-determined, it means intervention by parents and teachers is needed and it also means that academic success lies as much outside of school as inside. Parents and teachers need to stop passing the responsibility onto the other. There is more schools and communities need to do and there is more parents need to do. Parents need to be involved in their children's learning on a daily basis. This is particularly true for the low-to-average achiever.

My husband and I have a comfortable income, and are well-educated professionals (though I am presently an at-home mom). I feel confident that my children would do well in Mineola schools and perhaps excel, as many before them have. It is the responsibility of all to help build a community and schools that meet the needs of all our children. It is vital that families and communities see their role in education and schools become more effective and resourceful. We must participate in an informed dialogue that will help build and not defame and talk about what is right in our schools, as well as what is wrong. Form your own opinion by becoming educated about education as opposed to basing it on prejudice and real estate hype.

Eileen Doyle