mom23
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mom23 on Apr 9, 2006 20:18:32 GMT -5
Although most of what I am about to say has been said before, I believe it is a message worth repeating. The budget vote is not about putting the screws to the BOE or the Administration. It's not about academics v athletics. It is about providing our children with a sound education and boundless opportunities to soar in their diverse interests. As parents we encourage our children to be independent. In order for our children to be the well rounded individuals that we encourage them to be, they need to be able to have the opportunity to play a sport and join a club, and pursue what their passion is. Each child succeeds differently. Some are lucky enough to have the whole package; others may only have one thing that makes he or she feel special, and frankly we have to see to it that none of that is taken away. The board has put together a budget which gives those opportunities to all levels of education within this district. It is now up to us as a community to see to it that none of those opportunities, whether they be academics or clubs or sports are lost for our children.
Whatever your feelings are about the current BOE, put them aside. Whatever your personal displeasures are with certain parts of this budget, put them aside. Vote YES on this budget and get this district back on its feet. It's the right thing to do.
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Post by justfacts on Apr 9, 2006 20:44:39 GMT -5
mom23 is right on target![/b] Vote the budget YES (or NO) only for your conviction about the budget - Don't game play or try to send a message about something else![/i] Last year, just before the second vote, I found the result of filing an Appeal to the Commissioner brought about a change in the projected budget. I finally had found a way to deal with the BOE's mistake and made them correct it.Up to that point I was going to vote NO on the Budget, attempting to get them to fix the mistake. But I found I had a new tool to get the same result. So I voted YES on the Budget and pursued the Appeal! Today, we all have a new tool - thanks to the efforts of many and the leadership of the C_P_R team. We've found a new tool! - A BOE that responds to the community!
Let's use that tool to fix whatever remains - and Vote the Budget strictly on the merits of our own convictions about it![/i] Breathe new life into the BOE! C_P_R it! ;D The winning team ~ Cantatore - Persuto - Raymond ;D Make sure the children get their fair share! - First! Vote your convictions on the Budget - not your frustrations! Ed.
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Post by gopybl on Apr 9, 2006 21:41:48 GMT -5
Mom & Facts - I agree 100%...Hopefully this is the beginning of our healing process.
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Post by devilsrus on Apr 10, 2006 6:53:01 GMT -5
Well said Mom23. We all agree. Now lets get it done. We will need every vote.
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4max
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by 4max on Apr 11, 2006 1:15:33 GMT -5
I have been watching these boards for months and have never posted...not because I am not concerned or involved, because I am both of those things. I feel compelled to chime in at this point for a variety of reasons but am somewhat reluctant given the reaction to varied viewpoints and new members. My assumption is that this site was founded in order to cultivate interaction, brainstorming and unity between residents that would not otherwise cross paths, even when we disagree. Trusting that this is still true, I decided to tag in. I have been present at the school board meetings all year and endured the 3 night marathon of budget meetings with many of you who post here. During the past 7 or so months I have come to know many parents with whom I was not previously familiar...those with a variety of viewpoints, but with the common goal of monitoring the BOE, Dr. Richman and the budget process. Over the course of this process, I think many of us have discovered that we have more in common than not, and that we are not as divided as many would assume. I have learned not to label one parent a "sports parent" or an "elementary parent" or any other single function title as I do not want to be labeled as such. I am no more an "elementary" parent than I am the daughter of Plainedge graduates; a former Plainedge graduate or a wife of a Plainedge graduate. My pride in Plainedge began many years ago during MY years at Eastplain, my cheerleading days, my Senior play and Pep rallies. This pride was fortified before I had children and is now being passed down to my daughter, who happens to be in elementary school at the moment.
My history with this district offers me a certain perspective and my committment to Plainedge goes far beyond where my child happens to be right now. I am and have always been committed to fighting for the integrity of this district, for the residents and ALL the children from K-12. Anyone who really knows me knows that I do not fight for just what affects my child or family at the moment. I have gone to bat for various issues over the years with the BOE and the Superintendent before my daughter even entered school. I, along with many "elementary" parents walked and talked long hours last year to get the budget passed both times so that NO child would lose their much deserved and needed programs, clubs and sports. ALL programs, academic and co-curricular make a student who they are. Unfortunately, there were just not enough people involved and willing to do the same. And, many simply did not believe us when we explained what an austerity budget would mean to our kids.
This year we are desperately trying to climb our way out of a hole and in doing so there were many more of us who got involved in the process before it was too late. We all had to be hyper-vigilant in order to assure that the BOE present a budget that was fair to all students in this community. In doing so, we all came with a different perspective, but isn't that the point? That is the very essence of representing a community. After looking at the entire budget, there were many items I questioned. Blatantly staring at me was a blank page where the elementary school programs could be. I personally did not think it "fair or reasonable" that the administration proposed that NO programs be restored to the elementary schools (half of the district's students) and then in fact cut even deeper into the music and kindergarten programs. To me, it was a simple argument of spreading what little wealth we have around, so that elementary school wasn't starting out with even LESS than they had on austerity.
That is my feeling and I said so to the BOE and the administration. However, I was clear to state that these restorations did not need to be or should be made at the expense of any program, club, sport etc. that was already restored. I (with others) demanded that the administration find it in the budget to at least bring elementary back to base zero...and miraculously they did, by re-negotiating a copier contract. I felt this battle was important for a variety of reasons. For one, the precedent in this district over the years has been to systematically cut programs from the younger children to sustain budget increases and I felt that this year above all, this was not a precedent that could continue or elementary programs would cease to exist all together. Secondly, I felt that giving these kids nothing suggested their lack of value as a student and Plainedge member. A sense of value is something ALL of our children deserve and should be built over the years.
That being said, I am grateful that the administration could find the funds to include the music teacher, drama and student council for the elementary kids and that the Board members supported this addition. Make no mistake that I am painfully aware that for every program restored, there are many that have not been. I do not take that lightly.
I guess my concern is that anyone would think I, or any of us suggested that the admin/board look to take from any other child in order to do restore such programs. I am happy that the children will have the opportunity to play their varsity sports as I am not short sighted and realize that all of these changes will affect my children someday. I just didn't want to see the elementary programs cut in order for that to happen. In my opinion there is room for both and I was glad to see it turn out that way.
I know that there were a handful of people at Wednesday's meeting who's perception may have been that because we were defending the elementary additions, that we were anti-sports. I don't know where that would come from as I do not see the correlation between the two. I witnessed the disrespectful comments and at times intimidating manner used with suggestions that elementary programs are of little value since they do not go on a college application. If a college application was all we worried about then none of the 400 of us would have been at the Science fair last week, or pajama book fairs, or concerts etc.. All of these events are cumulative in shaping a student which helps make them successful in MS and HS. All, of course are entitled to their opinions and we may need to agree to disagree, however I had thought that we as a community had reached a higher level of respect for eachother when viewpoints were different. However, I will not generalize the actions of a few to a larger group. I know that in many ways we have reached that higher level. I know that there are those that I have spoken to personally over the past months and at last week's meetings from different groups ( I use that term respectfully) that I believe understand where I am coming from as I have also learned their perspective. It is these very parents who supported us in our endeavors and I am grateful for that. You took the time to hear what we were really saying and not what you assumed we meant.
Ultimately, even though I think we have a way to go in terms of respectfully disagreeing...I respect the motives of each parent who came down to these meetings to speak up for what they believed. I am a believer of walking the walk. Too many wait until it's too late and then complain about the outcome. If there is something that is important to your child or any of the children of this district, we owe it to them to be their advocate. I may not win every battle, but I can always look my kids in the face and tell them I fought the good fight for them. I think that is what each parent did this past week.
With that said, I hope I have expressed my perspective and that this process leads to a new level of respect and understanding amongst the community. We owe that to our children as well.
Regards,
Donna MacPherson
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Post by gopybl on Apr 11, 2006 5:01:56 GMT -5
4Max - Way to go girl !!!! I am in my house right now clapping at the computer.... I just want to clarify some points you make during your post.
A divide was created in the community last year between parents who were termed "Athletic" and those who were termed "Academic" after the cuts were provided for us to achieve our Austerity budget. I believe this divide was created, by the way the cuts were handled.
This divide is closing rapidly with the assistance of the PPAC and John Hanrahan especially. John is currently conducting meetings with all of the community groups and the President's of the PTA's so we can all mobilize our troops to pass this budget the first time out....
If I hear one more time that "we tried this last year" I am gonna scream. We never had a budget awareness day, we never had a parade for our budget, we never had all the community groups rallying for the same cause before the 1st budget....
Personally, I happen to be a Senior member of the Youth Baseball group in our community....I also have a child attending Eastplain. I would like to Thank You for your efforts in restoring programs back at the elementary level....and you are correct we are all not concerned with items that appear on a college application. Youth Baseball never appears on a college transcript nor does my son's science fair project which he just did on Pollution nor does his chorus group that he enjoys going to in the mornings...
However, I am reluctant to think that the viewpoints expressed by some, are how the entire group feels. I have started attending these meetings out of necessity. I share many of the same sentiments as yourself. I have seen some parents stand up and say that they would like to see some elementary programs cut to get more Athletic programs back in the budget...I have also witnessed people standing up in a meeting stating that they wanted to make some statements for those who are "Academically" concerned. I have also witnessed BOE members get extremely uncomfortable in providing an opportunity to High School Seniors to finish out their athletic career. For many of them, they will never play sports again after their Senior Year. I feel that these volatile viewpoints are of the few in each of our groups...Unfortunately, They just happen to be the most outspoken.
For me, I attend these meetings as the Vice President of PYBL and as a father of an Elementary student. I have never asked to have a program restored at the expense of my child's education. I have stood up at these meetings and mentioned that if the School District can not provide an opportunity for my Middle School Baseball kids, then we would start a program for them. I always challenge people who are with our group to come up with a solution.....don't just complain about the problem. Donna, you are someone who exhibits the same mentality. I have heard you provide some great insight at some of these meetings. I thank you for looking out for my child and yours.
In closing, I think in both of our groups we have individuals who do not see the full picture...It should be our challenge to educate these people in knowing you can't cut Full Day Kindergarden to get all Athletics restored...You also can't cut Varsity Sports to get some of the clubs funded. Thats a message we all need to convey to our groups. We are all in this together...We all need to feel the pain if programs are cut...No one group is better than the next.
We will never get the entire community to agree with us....But if we work together to educate our groups it might make some of these budget meetings less painful. Thanks again Donna.
Sincerely, Joe Amalfitano Plainedge Youth Baseball League
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 11, 2006 6:32:46 GMT -5
Donna ( 4max)
"I think many of us have discovered that we have more in common than not, and that we are not as divided as many would assume. "
No words in any posts have captured the NEW Plainedge as your's did above. We are ONE, UNITED for OUR CHILDREN and OUR COMMUNITY.
Thank's for joing us here!
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Post by justfacts on Apr 11, 2006 7:27:20 GMT -5
Hi Donna! (4max) Welcome Back! For those that are not aware it was Donna and her sister that provided much insight for me a few years ago at BOE meetings and in e-mails to Richman, into how the BOE and Administration ignored the needs of this community. Those two did yeoman's work to try to improve things by working though that system. My hat is off to them both!Now that we are a Forceful Community for Education once again and have a BOE that is working with us I look forward to many an insightful suggestion from Donna. Hey! That brings up a new definition for Plainedge ~ The Forceful Community for Education!
We will get to have balanced educational funding in the near future as we add, a step at a time, all the programs covering all aspects of a rounded education to our upcoming Budgets. Maybe not this year - but year-by-year we will build!The reason for the initial gripes and stresses in the Budget process will have disappeared. They are almost all gone already. We have to work together to make sure they never return. The reason for the past dissent being that although the dollar demanded was growing larger - nowhere near what was needed was going to the children. The spending was internally misdirected. With a responsive BOE and a Forceful Community for Education - Plainedge will restore that balance to the great education it will provide to its children. Have no doubt about it! It is happening! The Plainedge Community - a Force for Education! Breathe new life into the BOE! C_P_R it! ;D The winning team ~ Cantatore - Presuto - Raymond ;D Make sure the children get their fair share! - First! Vote your convictions on the Budget - not your frustrations! Ed.
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 11, 2006 8:03:21 GMT -5
Ed, those NICE pills I sent you are REALLY WORKING !!!! ;D
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Post by guardian16 on Apr 11, 2006 8:04:24 GMT -5
Mr. Presuto, this will be my final reply. First, I did not lie about how you voted – your votes are taken in public and are a matter of public record. Second, I did not make false allegations about you. Just Facts (one of your supporters) posted the information about a “deal” to be made by CPR. That posting was 5 days ago and if it is not true, why is it that none of you have challenged HIM for saying it, yet you are challenging me for how I and others have interpreted it and formed an opinion about it? Inconsistencies such as this give us even more reason to question or speculate. You hold a public office and as such, you are accountable to EVERYONE in this community, therefore everyone’s opinions are equally valid. Third, any the time old faces I mentioned rear their heads (and we’ve seen them here and there with our own eyes) it gives this community very legitimate cause for concern. You did not live through the “black shirt” days and the funeral march down Hicksville Road. You don’t know the scope of their desire for power and control (which has nothing to do with kids), or how unhealthy the climate of this district was then, and how education was neglected as a result. No one wants to go back there.
Don’t worry, I have no intention of running for the school board since my job does not allow me the time that is necessary to do the job the way I believe it should be done. In addition, I don’t feel I need to apologize for conveying the OPINIONS or PERCEPTIONS of the community. If that were the case, then everyone who’s ever posted here should apologize for giving their opinions as well.
With May 16th just around the corner NO ONE has the time or the inclination for “games”. Rest assured that everyone will be taking the election and the budget very seriously, so please refrain from intimidation of anyone who disagrees with you and bring the focus BACK to KIDS and BACK to PASSING THE BUDGET.
Vote YES – I will and ALWAYS do.
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Post by gopybl on Apr 11, 2006 8:20:35 GMT -5
Ed - You are right on the money man....Hoorah!
Guardian - Welcome aboard the budget passing train.....
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Post by plainedge13 on Apr 11, 2006 8:58:00 GMT -5
The interesting part of this website is that almost everyone who posts here is in favor of getting the budget passed, even if they disagree with each other and/or the BOE and Administration.
However, the task of getting this budget passed is going to be daunting. There will always be the 2000+ NO votes from the seniors - who don't read this website, you don't go to the car washes, parades, board meetings, etc. The people who are pro budget are going to have to get the younger families to TAKE THE TIME to register to vote.
These NO voters are the ones who, at last years budget vote, told the high school seniors and other young people, that they should not be allowed to vote since they do not own a home! These are, many at least, are the same seniors who have illegal apartments in their homes, which in many cases is increasing the number of children in the school, while getting the STAR reduction on their taxes!!!
Here's to hoping that the "budget passing train" is concentrating on getting the potential YES votes to register.
Guardian and others - voicing concerns and differences of opinion is valuable to folks such as myself who are relatively new to Plainedge. Thanks for the background.
Deirdre Morrison
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 11, 2006 9:26:55 GMT -5
All, there are a few campaigns going on. Letters to alumni have been sent urging them to vote. HS Seniors will be allowed to vote. We have urged the district to have them go all at the same time. Absentee ballots are being distributed.
Any other ideas are welcomed !!!!!
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Post by fpresuto on Apr 11, 2006 9:36:38 GMT -5
Guardian,
I absolutely understand and accept the responsibility to be accountable to EVERYONE in the community. With that said, it is absolutely necessary to be sure that I address statements that are not factual. Hence my reasoning for responding to your posting in this forum. If you look back, Justfacts also mis-interpreted statements I had made in the past and after I clarified my statement and position - he quickly apologized and retracted his words. I commend him for doing so, very much like I would like to do for you if you do the same.
I have NEVER waivered in my thought process, nor have I denied my voting decisions. I also never stated that you lied about my voting. However, you DID lie. It is for those lies that I asked you to retract. Perceptions are one thing, however, statements like Josephine Redder is my campaign manager and that I am conducting meetings in her home are blantant lies. You made your statements and I called you to task. Yet you have not addressed those items again. I understand your thought process and cause for concern, however, I ask you and anyone else that may have questions - Please ask. I will be honest and open with my response and will address your concerns.
You also continuously mention a deal between certain members of the BOE and JustFacts. I did not interpret his message to state that there was any such deal. He also responded that there was no such deal, as did I. So again, I will assure you - there is NO SUCH DEAL !!!
Finally, if I have intimidated you or anyone else, I apologize. It was NEVER my intention to do that. I respect and welcome ALL input. We ALL have a stake in this community and ALL have the right to speak our minds, regardless of how popular or unpopular those words may be. Those very same differences in opinions are what make this community GREAT !!!
Again - I ask that we ALL continue to focus on the true task at hand. OUR CHILDREN NEED US ALL MORE NOW THEN EVER. Please make the budget your focus and do what is best for the children. It's about the kids !!!!
Sincerely, Frank Presuto fpresuto@att.com
P.S. - Donna - Thank you for posting. I completely agree with your words and thoughts. My only question to you - is with young kids - what the heck are you doing up at 2:15am? LOL !!!
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Post by rinx on Apr 11, 2006 10:00:05 GMT -5
The interesting part of this website is that almost everyone who posts here is in favor of getting the budget passed, even if they disagree with each other and/or the BOE and Administration. However, the task of getting this budget passed is going to be daunting. There will always be the 2000+ NO votes from the seniors - who don't read this website, you don't go to the car washes, parades, board meetings, etc. The people who are pro budget are going to have to get the younger families to TAKE THE TIME to register to vote. These NO voters are the ones who, at last years budget vote, told the high school seniors and other young people, that they should not be allowed to vote since they do not own a home! These are, many at least, are the same seniors who have illegal apartments in their homes, which in many cases is increasing the number of children in the school, while getting the STAR reduction on their taxes!!! Here's to hoping that the "budget passing train" is concentrating on getting the potential YES votes to register. Guardian and others - voicing concerns and differences of opinion is valuable to folks such as myself who are relatively new to Plainedge. Thanks for the background. Deirdre Morrison Wow! That's a pretty broad brush stroke. There are many seniors living here that have grand children in our schools. They're not the no votes. The no votes were by people who have almost hit their limit on being able to afford to stay in the area. These are our friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers from all accross Plainedge. There are people in the area paying 10K -15K in taxes. How many here fall into that group? I wouldn't cast aspersions without walking in those peoples shoes. I would also bet my house that the majority of people renting illegal appartments are not seniors. On my street there are few illegal appartments, not one of those houses is owned by a senior. With all that said... We need to get out the vote as best we can. We need to talk to our neighbors, people we meet while shopping, on the fields, where ever we are and stress the importance of getting this thing passed. Education in this matter is what will get us a yes vote majority.
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