Record Review –04-25-2001 Is history trying to repeat itself in Bedford Central School District?-Phyllis Cohen  

040601 Art and volunteerism make for a satisfying mix

  CLICK HERE FOR MY REPLY

To the Editor:

I commend the Bedford Central Board of Education for adopting a budget proposal that addresses the financial concerns of the community while supporting an educational environment that services the grow­ing needs of our children. I admire their individual talents and strengths. They do not always agree with each other, but they manage a shared goal of improving and strengthening our curriculum and facilities with vision and prudence. I am sorry to see Nancy Stein leave, and wish her well.  

Upon learning of the opponents to the school board, I requested the petitions of candidates Laub, Miele and Giardina out of concern, based. upon past observations of Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC) actions. The three petitions appear to be near­ly identical, and it looks like the names were obtained by one person who did most of the legwork for all three candidates. I am bothered by (1) my perception that the candi­dates are a block and (2) seeing the names of TOC leaders on the list.  

Mr. Giardina is a longtime critic of our schools. I welcome a difference of opinion, but his past suggestions slash at school programs and budgets and would cheat children out of scholarship opportunities or  advanced studies. He doesn't think our children's day should include arts or sports programs, and has stat­ed this opinion at board meetings. His desire to overcrowd classrooms with fewer teachers worries me.

This is pure nonsense and scare tactics-JPG

It seems that the battle over philo­sophical control of our school board is about to begin again. This time, if TOC is victorious, it can gain 'the majority rule. In my opinion, this will radically alter our current diverse board representation.

More scare scare scare

TOC's hidden agenda ?was never really "out there" until now. Mr. Giardina has a Web site that is anti­public school. I urge all Bedford vot­ers to visit it at http://vivailpapa.freeyellow.conVvivaIpapa/. Its terrifying contents include a "hall of shame" (his words), with photos of district community mem­bers that Mr. Giardina doesn't like. The 27‑page tribute to his friend Phil Christe, (another critic of our public schools) is appalling. Mr. Giardina, who has never supported technology in the schools, has a sophisticated Web site, and after reviewing it, I don't believe that tax savings ‑are his true goals, either.

His message, along TOC lines, attacks the integrity of our administration, and paints our teachers as selfish enemies of the community. I believe it is TOC's mission to support candidates who will radically change our public education system.  

With three children in our district I know many of our schools' teach­ers, and appreciate the variety of edu­cational opportunities for my chil­dren. Giving back to this diverse and interesting community as a volunteer is a joy (CEF, NYPT and "Storyfest"), and I love creating enriching experi­ences for the public and private schoolchildren of our district.

We have incredible schools ' Fox Lane High School is a Blue Ribbon school, deserving of that national recognition. The growth in our com­munity is a testament to our strong reputation. Our elected school lead­ers must remain sensitive to the needs of all of its constituents, while working to keep our schools strong.

While my family maintains a strict budget, I will be voting "yes" on the school budget, and vote for incum­bents Sullivan and Comberiati and Brad Sacks to protect my children’s education and preserve the value of my home and community. Please join me in supporting excellence. Your, vote counts now, more than ever..