MEET THE BAUMANN SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
SCHOOLS
Katonah-Lewisboro School District
To the Editor:
It's school budget time again. Yes, our taxes are going up, but keep in mind the taxes will go up even with an austerity budget. And the austerity budget is a draconian solution.
The proposed budget provides the proper funding for respectable class sizes at the secondary level and programs for the basic needs of all students. The two propositions will address the required maintenance of the schools, and an appropriate bus fleet to meet the transportation needs of the second largest (based on square miles) district in Westchester.
If you are thinking of voting down the budget due to the tax increase, give some consideration to the series of events that will occur if the budget fails on May 18. If it fails, the district must spend additional money for a second day of voting. However, there is very little that can be taken out of the current budget without impacting the quality of education. In fact, all five board of education members, including those supported by Citizens for Prudent School Planning, agree on the educational soundness of the proposed budget. Bottom line, the process of a second vote will be a waste of tax dollars without giving the taxpayers a meaningful reduction in the tax increase.
If the budget is not approved by the second vote, the district would be forced to accept the state austerity plan. There is only $3 million between the proposed $85 million budget and an austerity budget. This is a relatively small reduction in costs but represents a, huge reduction in the quality of education. These funds are required for additional secondary level teachers where student population growth is greatest, and improved educational programs for all students.
I feel strongly that it is important to show the teachers and the children that we, as a community, support our schools and want what is appropriate for them. Remember that your tax dollars support the public education of the growing population of children in our community. Vote yes the first time on May 18.