Tuesday, May 19 is the day to vote on the Great Neck Public Schools' 1998-1999 budget. It's the day to cast a vote in support of our outstanding school district, for all the good they have done, and continue to do, for all of our children.

Our nationally renowned school district is a major reason why Great Neck is such a desirable community. The first reason so many people state as their reason for moving here is because of the wonderful reputation of the Great Neck schools. Great Neck's popularity, its thriving business area, its pricey real estate tags, all do, in large part, reflect back on the reputation of our schools.

It's easy to forget about school budget and school board elections in light of the fact that each year approximately 75 percent of those voting, vote in support of the budget. It's quite simple to let the elections slip your mind when a board seat is uncontested, as has been the case for so many years now. It's really very easy to forget to vote when you are very pleased with your school system and you perceive no threat to the continuance of excellence.

But a school budget can be defeated. If only those who have a problem with the funding or with the operations of our schools were to come out to vote, well then, the school budget would indeed suffer defeat. Without a budget, without all of the necessary funds, the Great Neck public schools would be unable to continue to provide this community (the children and the adults) with the educational programs and the extra-curricular opportunities that we have all come to appreciate. Without a budget, this one very great part of Great Neck would be crippled.

We're not trying to be pessimistic, but one can never be too complacent. We urge everyone to come out and vote for the 1998-99 school budget and to re-elect Board President Mona Fuchs to her seat on the board of education.

Show your appreciation of the fine school system that Great Neck provides, educating our youngsters and enriching all of our lives.

School district elections are Tuesday, May 19, 7 a.m., to 10 p.m., at the North Middle School gymnasium and the South High School gymnasium.

Wendy K. Kreitzman