I am writing concerning the East Williston School board's recent decision to commit taxpyaer funds in order to hire a public relations firm to promote the proposed fourth school building. The cost given for this compenditure is $15,500. In voting to hire this firm, it was evident that the board was sharply divided. It should be remembered that the two board members who voted against hiring this firm represent community residents that also question committing taxpayer money for this purpose.

At the March 24 budget meeting where hiring this firm was first proposed, two residents offered the board the use of their services in getting informaiton to the community, and thereby saving the district an additional expense. The two gentlemen completed a proposal. On March 30, three members of the board rejected the services of these two residents. Although they expressed their aplpreciation to the two gentlemen, Mrs. Entine, Mrs. Bergtraum, and Dr. Horowitz voted in favor of hiring the public relations firm.

I presume guidelines will be established as to how this public relations firm will present the issue of the new building to the public. I trust that all facts and figures will originate from, and be approved by, the full compliment of the board. I believe all members of the board should have equal say in what the plublic relations firm puts forth. I also trust that no outside group, i.e., PTO groups, Coordinating Council, or Partnership for Education will be involved in holding meetings with, or supplying informaiton or opinions to, this public relations firm.

Because the district, and the residents, are waiting for the results of an Environmental Study, and especially because the community still has no idea of what the cost of this fourth school will be, I do not understand why the district would choose to hire this firm now. Another resident at the meeting on March 30 posed this questiion. Mrs. Entine stated that the firm may not begin its work for months, but that it is best to get them "on board" as soon as possible. It is my hope that the services of the public relaitions firm will be used solely and exclusively in connection with the building proposal, and will not in any way be utilised for campaign literature during the upcoming annual budget vote and school board elections.

Julius Cohen