At a little village called Vytiegra in Northern Russia, I was stuck in a wind and ice storm.
The captain fearing mutiny with the growing unrest ordered the bar open with free drinks for all until the Ministry of Transportation sent an ice breaker.
It was an interesting two days waiting.
But imagine my surprise when I overheard a conversation about Great Neck, how Great Neck residents want to disband a Great Neck Public School system due to high taxes etc, etc.
These people were from another state, but word had reached far and wide on the discontentment within our community.
I spent a very heated couple of hours explaining my personal views.
I am a firm believer in a good public education for everyone. I also believe if parents want religious or charter schools that’s their prerogative.
One has three options for the children. Public, charter or religious.
I also do not believe that 79.6 percent (quoted from John Powell), of the budget should be for benefits, health insurance pensions, etc.
What will happen when it reaches 90 percent or 95 percent?
What’s left for education?
We will only be supporting union paid part -time jobs (183 days a year) not for our children.
There has to be a better way. Hopefully the school board has got the message that the residents want better handling with the millions of dollars that are entrusted with them.
We only asked for two things. Good education and maintenance of our buildings before the get in such despair and maybe a panel of residents to see how the money is being spent on renovations and that the contractors do not overcharge and finish work on time.
We do not need $2,000 windows or $137,500 toilet with sinks.
Jean Pierce
Great Neck
