After attending Thursday's board of education meeting on Draft 2 proposal of 2008-2009 education plan and budget, I feel compelled to write my observations.

I am amazed at how much time and energy has been put into the alleged harassment lawsuit. We, as a community, heard statements from both Dr. Licopoli and Dr. Nagler and both stated they can't wait for their day in court. We, too, should wait, let the litigations take their course and let the courts decide. In the end, the truth should come out and punishment and punitive damages may be set.

A long-awaited statement from the board of education is the only hurdle I can see that must be cleared in order to put this behind us. Board of Education President John McGrath's lackadaisical attitude and inability to provide some sort of statement is similar to Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First?" routine. Enough! Issue a statement and move on.

Our main concern and focus should be on the children of the Mineola School District. The proposed budget should be our main concern right now. Some of us in this community have had their children already pass through the school district and have enjoyed the rewards of the Mineola School District's education and programs. While some of us have grandchildren that will soon be attending our schools, most of us have children in the schools now. In fact, some have children in multiple schools. These children are the ones who will be affected by failed budgets.

The proposed budget of 3.88 percent with a tax levy of 1.78 percent is extremely low. Can it be tweaked a little more? Absolutely. Let's work on this issue.

Our children deserve the best education and programs we can provide. The students should never have to be concerned with the possibility of not being able to play sports, be involved in their favorite programs or even not being able to enjoy the wonderful performing arts programs we have in Mineola.

Our progress over the past seven years has been outstanding. Look at the Regents scores. Look at the percent of passing grades. How about the varsity boys basketball team? They became conference champs for the first time in 20 years. Go Mustangs! How about the amazing plays and concerts that are presented at the high school, middle school and the elementary schools?

All of the great things seem to be unimportant to some. Come on Mineola, let's put our children's education and their future first. I hope everyone in the Mineola community will exercise their right and vote on the 2008-2009 budget.

Terence Hale

(Editor's Note: Board of education president John McGrath did write a statement on the lawsuit that can be found on the district's website www.mineola.k12.ny.us under an "Open Letter to Community from the President of the Board of Education.")