I can't understand the insistence by the BOE majority on an extra $30 million plus in the proposed bond just to put elementary children where they don't belong - sandwiched between the high school with its older students and Port Blvd. with all its traffic. Setting location aside, there are as many educational experts and studies accepting of a two-year junior high (as per the minority plan) as there are favoring a three-year school (as per the majority plan).

Also, the BOE has not answered the often-asked question of where the children will be while the buildings are being gutted under the majority plan. More portables? Rented space? Where? At what additional cost? The alternate plan would entail much less disruption to the educational process as additions could be made while the children remain in existing classrooms. (No! The rooms are not all too small!)

If the majority truly wants a bond passed, they will work with the minority to polish their plan (much of it derived from the majority plan, so with the architect's help it shouldn't take too long) and present a plan that would have a broader base of acceptance. The idea is to get the system upgraded before all the present students have graduated.

Now we're presented with a $78 million budget on top of the $87 million bond, and these are not necessarily the final figures. As Nassau County increases taxes, who, outside of the very wealthy, will be able to maintain their family homes here? What businesses will be able to stay? Many have already fled (see Main Street) and surely more will follow.

Let's forget the wish-lists and let's get real. If we truly want to preserve state aid and get the job done, let's have a bond that meets our needs and will pass.

Emily Jablonsky