I'm a bit confused on what my position is on the issue of who is "allowed" to run for…Read More school board. On the one hand, I feel that if someone pays school taxes, they have the right to run. But on the other hand, what motivation does a "private school" parent have to keep the best interest of public school children at heart, as cuts to the schools would result in lower taxes? I know that the right thing to do is make decisions based on the best interest of the students, but that doesn't mean that that is what a person will do, especially if it doesn't affect their own child...I would rather have a parent of a public school child on the board, as I know they would think of their own children when making decisions that would affect their child's school, and in turn their child.
I also agree and commend Mr. Lunin-Pack on his composure.
..and there are still over 50 clergy in Lawrence getting inflated NYS "Clergy"exemptions…Read More on their PRIVATE homes . Because of the screwy Nassau assessment system what is a $1,500 exemption all over the state becomes THOUSANDS more in Nassau Co. In Hewlett Woodmere (UFSD #14) the average clergy exemption is over $12,000. And the rest of us pay for the shortfall. Write to the County assessor for a list.
Details from clergyexemption@gmail.com
Why should they not be allowed to run? You are willing to take their tax money, only?
We need to…Read More understand that the community has a large population of children that go to private schools. Also our economy has shifted. Sadly the school district needs to shift to the current economic situation, and understand how this is not really just a local issue, but affects many districts in NY. We need to think outside of the box, consider combining districts in order to save costs, and efficiency, without cutting curriculum and services our children need.
But no one wants to talk about combining districts since it affects jobs. We need to look at this in a larger picture then just our district but how this issue has been slowly plagueing many districts.
All above by the original writer notwithstanding it is morally reprehensible that people who did ,…Read More do not, would not send their children to public school but rather private school, religious or secular, sit on a public school board of education. They are there for one reason only ;to keep taxes as low as possible because those that elect them carry private school tuition. That is NOT an acceptable reason to direct/control/guide the education of public school students. Any position put forward that disputes this as the basis for parents of private school students being on a BOE is a lie.
I'm amazed and shocked to hear about the shenanigans. Thank you for revealing what has been going…Read More on. I will forward your article to my friends and make sure we vote for Nachum. Thank you and your family for your dedication and efforts. Stay strong. We need you ,,
It's not just the teachers...
As a parent of 2 going on 3 school aged children, I'm amazed at how…Read More much our free public schools cost. We get a supply list every year of things like crayons and pencils which I get, although I don't see why it HAS to be crayola. The red crayon in the box from the 99 cents store is just as red as the one in the $4 box from someplace else. Also, I don't understand why I need to send in 4 boxes of tissues, paper towels, wipes, etc per child. When I was a kid, I remember keeping a little pack of kleenex in my desk for when I needed it. I'm sure the district can buy in bulk at half the cost to us and store it in the schools until needed.
Also, as far as the teachers go, I'm not sure if they do it on LI, but when I was a SBM in the NYC DOE, we had what was called Teacher's Choice which was a check for $250 that every teacher would get on March 15 (?) to help pay for the classroom supplies they bought throughout the year. It always amazed me how many of the "supplies" were purchased on 03/14. I had the pleasure of denying some of the more bogus expenses. Also, anything they would spend above and beyond their reimbursement is now tax deductible I believe. My wife, sister, cousin and many friends were and some still are classroom teachers. I know firsthand how the good ones give much more than they get in their check(s). The trick is to weed out the ones that are only in it for the money, benefits and summers off and not the kids.
lilly, i just created a group on Facebook (Hewlett-Woodmere District 14 Budget Discussion) for…Read More residents of district 14 to share and question. Maybe someone on the board will look at it. Please tell your friends. A copy of the budget is uploaded and can be reviewed. I believe residents should make informed decisions. Read it and see what jumps out at you and looks good, fishy, or just normal.
thanks Shirley- we have to keep posting to vote NO for the budget- I try to go to meetings and it is…Read More ridiculous to hear how no one comes to the table with ideas of how NOT to SPEND our money! If there were only more people that would attend and stand up and speak up maybe it would change.
I do not understand how we never have a year with NO TAX INCREASES!!!!! It is pretty sad- we have to…Read More get new resources, get more project bids and simply learn to say no or tighten up and not spend and what about salary freezes! We are all living with these types of challenges. We are living through difficult times. When I look around the town and see so many homes and stores for rent and sale- it should be a lightbulb moment. We can't continue to live this way. People will keep leaving the neighborhood and that's really not good for any of us!
It is possible to find a rental, though it might not be easy.
Many rentals are in co-op buildings.…Read More They are typically not flexible and it is unlikely that you will be able to get into one of those.
Your best bet would be in a multi-family house, There you are dealing with a homeowner, rather than a co-op board and a management company, who might be willing to listen to your plight.
If you find a sympathetic homeowner you will be OK.
It might take patience, but you should find someplace.
Results Potentially Changed in Lawrence School Board Race
Tova Plaut now may have advantage.
8 Comments Recommend Stephen J. Bronner (Editor)