The West Hempstead Board of Education has set the revote of the recently defeated School Budget for June 17. Recognizing that, as Superintendent of Schools Carol Eisenberg put it, "every item in the budget represents a need," the School Board voted to put the same budget as was defeated on Super Tuesday back before the voters. Bravo!

The budget as presented to the voters was truly "no frills," every line of import to the education of our children. As anyone who attended the budget hearings and scrutinized the budget would attest (few of those who voted "no" did either), there was no padding, no fluff, no hidden extras held in reserve for the next go 'round.

The budget adopted by the board was and is sound and prudent, having been gone over with that fine-toothed comb, and, most believe, failed not by reason of excess, or by a voter revolt against board policy, but rather, as a result of apathy and complacency.

On May 18, out of approximately 7,000 eligible voters, only 1,244 cast votes, both "yea" and "nay," on the School Budget proposition. That's roughly an 18 percent turnout.

Those who voted "no" on the school budget had their reasons. "Our taxes are too high." "We expect better performance for the money we spend." "We have no children in the public schools." Valid or not, these reasons do not and cannot override the critical importance of our support for public education. When our schools excel, our community flourishes. When we educate our children, we all succeed. As the newest member of the School Board, Davis Whelpley, so nobly advanced, "We put the interests of our children first. Period!"

As for those who did not vote - particularly those who are parents and grandparents of school age children, whether in public or private schools (the budget impacts on all) - there can be no excuse. Your vote is your voice. Your vote is our community's best hope for the future.

The revote of the West Hempstead School Budget will be held on Thursday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the West Hempstead Middle School. Don't shortchange our children. Don't turn your back on our community. VOTE!

Seth D. Bykofsky

West Hempstead

(The writer, a 19-year resident of West Hempstead, is Co-Chair of The Community Alliance and a past president of the West Hempstead Civic Association.)