'What are we getting for the money?'

To the Editor:

Last week, Deborah Friedland, in response to a letter of mine, illustrated why there may be some heavy lifting in keeping education effective in the Bedford Central School District.

The desirability of sticking to the issues is, I hope, unquestioned. If we are to simply bash trustees (or any-
body) or claim to know their motives,it is counterproductive. Terms like "destroy" and claims by a person that only their comments are "not misleading" or are "fair" or "accurate," are, in fact, implausible. Let's stick, as best we can, to the issues.

To be fair, I readily acknowledge that Ms. Friedland is on to something. She wants trustees (and/or me) to: 1. Continue our efforts; 2. Conscientiously conduct cost analyses; 3. Consider effectiveness of programs; and 4. Do my (our) best.

I would ratchet up the ideal of good effort and doing one's best to the standard of being effective and getting the job done.

I agree with the mention of costs and effective programs. Essentially, we must answer all in the community when they ask "what are we getting for the money?" It's not about the money, it's about value, which is what-you get- for the -money.---This is, again, my "ABC" formula - look at Costs relative to Benefits and consider other Alternatives.

Joseph Whelan

 Bedford

 Mr. Whelan was recently elected to the

Bedford Central School Board