Vote 'yes' on Bedford Central budget

To the Editor:

During the 1999-2000 school year, enrollment in the Bedford Central School District rose four percent. For the 2000-2001 school year, the projected enrollment increase is similar. For the 1999-2000 school year, the tax increase in Bedford Village was negative .53 percent. The proposed tax increase for the 2000-2001 school year,, combining both Propositions 1 and 2, is 6.8 percent. The average increase for the two years is 3.1 percent. isn't that reasonable?

Bedford Central has to remain competitive to secure the best teachers for the children of our community. The salaries of our teacl4ers hover somewhere between the median and high for the county, depending on a particular teacher's qualifications and the longevity of service. Isn't that reasonable?

In comparing the cost of private school with that of a public school education, one must take into account that the public schools, unlike private schools, must provide services for special education, English as a Second Language, pupil transportation and textbook purchases. Isn't that reasonable?

Bedford Central is considered a "wealthy" community in the eyes of

the New York State Legislature, even
though we have many senior citizens
on fixed incomes and immigrant fami-
lies. Our school district ., therefore,
receives one of the lowest percentages
of state aid of any school district in the
state. Is that reasonable?

Our elementary schools consistently score at or above the level of similar schools on virtually all standardized testing - and, in many cases, significantly above. The performance of our middle and high schools is similarly high. Fox Lane High School was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education last year, and Fox Lane Middle School achieved this honor in the first years of the recognition program's existence. Nonetheless, our schools, like those across the state, must consistently adapt to new state assessments and other unfunded mandates, must absorb enrollment increases and must repair what might break down. To do this, it costs money. Isn't this reasonable?

Be reasonable when you enter the voting booth on Tuesday, June 20. Vote "yes" for both Propositions I and 2.

Clare Powers Deborah Serift Bedford