(Editor's Note: Resolution 9.23 was tabled at the June 18 board meeting.)

On June 11, the Superintendent of Schools, Westbury Union Free School District, announced resolution 9.23, which was scheduled to be voted on during the school board's June 18 action meeting.

The resolution, dated June 18, 2008, reads as follows: "BE IT RESOLVED, that the board of education of the Westbury Union Free School District authorizes the district to lease classroom space from St. Francis de Chantal for the purpose of expanding the district's full-day pre- kindergarten program for the 2008-2009, subject to execution of an agreement between the district and St. Frances de Chantal and review by counsel."

Superintendent Clark has proposed sending approximately 100 pre-kindergarten age children to St. Francis de Chantal located at 1309 Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh, 8.1 miles from Westbury in order to attend school.

Superintendent Clark provided a projected cost of $1.3 dollars. Superintendent Clark indicated there would be "some additional cost," though the exact additional cost is unknown at this time.

My concerns are as follows: The known cost is $1.3 million; full-day pre-K programs are not required by New York State; there are private and parochial schools plus over 40 churches and five or more nursery schools in Westbury that could accommodate the children; and traffic accidents or delays; children do become ill at school; 83 percent of the children attending school in Westbury are at or below the poverty level; greater liability for the school district; and parent-teacher conference night - for parents without vehicles.

My knowledge of this proposal as a trustee of the school board is limited to a 50-minute discussion at the June 11 board meeting.

Therefore, in consideration of the facts mentioned here, I cannot and will not vote to send your children out of the school district, nor will I be party to spending 1.3 million of your tax dollars out of district.

Please attend the school board meetings typically on the second and third Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Westbury High School Library. Voice your opinion!

Larry Wornum
Trustee, Westbury Board of Education