On Thursday, May 8, there was a regularly scheduled Mineola Board of Education Business Meeting for the Mineola School District and the topic was the budget. While this was indeed the sixth or seventh meeting relative to this year's budget, the attendance was abysmal. The audience was Terry Hale, three district employees and me. Maybe all the questions have already been asked and answered already but the reason I bring this to your attention is not to chastise anyone who was not there. It is certainly understandable that people lead busy lives and not every meeting can be attended.

The reason is because a special board of education meeting was motioned for and seconded. The agreed-upon date is May 29. Mr. Siwinski suggested the additional meeting, because the next regularly scheduled meeting has the Reconfiguration study on the agenda and that alone should prove to be a lively discussion. He mentioned the additional topics deserving time - the question of the 3 or 4 percent unappropriated funds balance - which, he explained, the current board had discussed and agreed to revisit at a later time and the teachers tenure discussion, which he pointed out that the last time Dr. Nagler's tenure was on the agenda the meeting was very crowded.

I believe this to be a very wise decision on the part of the board and I want to publicly acknowledge Mr. Siwinski for having the foresight to suggest this meeting. I paraphrase his words but he essentially said the election on May 20 will change the face of the board since Terry Hale is running unopposed for Maryellen Williams position. Additionally, Lisa Lao is running opposed by Will Hornberger, thus the potential for an overall one- to-two person change in the board. Mr. Siwinski further stated that to be fair, the discussion relative to the unappropriated funds balance is an important decision and the suggestion to revisit it was at the urging of Lisa Lao. Therefore, he felt it made more sense to hold this meeting after the election.

In this very busy world that we all live in, it is easy to overlook another meeting. Please mark your calendar for May 29 and add this important meeting to your schedule.

Lastly, don't forget the school budget vote and school board elections are held on May 20. This is your opportunity to vote for the candidate that you feel best represents your interests in this district. Your vote and attendance at these important meetings are greatly appreciated as these decisions will reshape the future of our district.

Debra Lee Donovan