By this point in the ‘budget season’, I’ve spoken so many times about the proposed school budget and the bond referendum that will be on the ballot next Tuesday, May 20, that there doesn’t seem to be any new light I can shed on the issues. Therefore, I will take one last opportunity before the statewide school budget vote next week mainly to remind everyone to vote.
I could go into detail again about the 0.65 percent budget-to-budget increase for 2014-15, and about the curriculum initiatives that Roslyn has been able to embark upon even during tough economic times, and about the fiscal prudence that has left the district in a strong fiscal position, with consistently low budget increases over the last six years. I could let you know once more about how Roslyn hasn’t had to cut any programs or lay off any staff in the last few years for budgetary reasons. And I could review the bond referendum, reminding everyone about all the upgrades and renovations that we are proposing to undertake in the next few years, with limited impact on taxpayers, in order to update and maintain our valuable school properties. But these are not the most important reasons why you should vote.
In New York, local residents are empowered to decide on their school budgets, and to elect representatives to their local school boards who manage the district’s finances and set policy regarding many aspects of the educational program. Local control of the schools has been a guiding principle for two centuries. However, federal and state mandates have gradually eroded that control, as more regulations are handed down every year that narrow the prerogatives of school officials. Voting sends a strong message that people care about having a say in how the schools in their community are run.
Of course, the most important reason to vote is because the school budget and board election matter to our children’s education. All of the academic offerings, athletic teams, extracurricular activities, and other programs that the school district can provide are directly dependent on the budget. The most effective way that residents can make their opinions count about the school budget is to cast a ballot. We don’t have too many forms of direct democracy in our system of government. This is one vote that really has an impact.
The budget vote, bond referendum and board election will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at Roslyn High School. The budget for the Bryant Library will also be on the ballot. Polls will be open from 7am to 9pm. It’s your vote – please take advantage of it.
