To the Editor:

In the first letter to the editor this year, a resident of the Bedford Central School District addressed some of the data that were being relied on to craft a facilities bond. I was surprised that this resident was basing his analysis on data not available to the facilities, advisory committee (or for that matter, to me, a trustee of the board of education). This data "proved" that the administration's analysis was erroneous.

In my view, any legitimate questioning of premises or approach must be answered specifically and not dodged.

I am disappointed that the tone of the letter was derogatory. A better paradigm was offered in the next letter from a Pound Ridge parent, i.e.: a bond/budget must meet this district's growing needs and high standards, to paraphrase the letter writer's words.

Last week, another letter from a parent admonished all that there must be "frank appraisal," "a great deal of listening is in order" and "we look forward to lively and open debate." She pointed out that "the facilities advisory committee members are volunteers and are owed respect and gratitude." She is talking about, I believe, keeping your eye on the ball and giving due credit.

As a father of three children and a former high school teacher, I would be negligent if I did not insist on conditions in the classroom that must exist in order for parents to know their child is in a facility that allows teaming to move ahead, not be undermined. Teachers need suitable facilities to excel in what they do.

I think we should heed the comments of the parents who expressed their viewpoints so well.

Joseph G. Whelan jr.