Open Letter to Board of Education from Birchood Civic Association

The board of directors of the Birchwood Civic Association has done its utmost to take an active role in supporting the Jericho School District over the last several years. We have sent representatives in citizens' advisory committees, attended school board meetings, marched in homecoming parades and more. We have enjoyed being privy to school board discussions during open meetings under the "sunshine laws."

However, we currently have questions about two issues that were touched upon at recent meetings, but about which we feel we have not received adequate information. In addition, given that a school board election is drawing near, we would like to hear the board discuss these issues during a public session so that we may assess where the various board members differ or concur.

1. Why does the proposed 1998/99 budget continue to contain funding for the Jericho Education Foundation, despite the fact that you originally indicated to the public that the foundation would be funded for two years and then become self-sufficient? You have announced that you continue to support the foundation and its director, but we have not heard any explanation for your decision, nor have we ever been privy to a presentation of the foundation's work by its director.

This is not meant as a personnel question (as we understand that personnel cannot be discussed in public), but a budget issue. We support the concept of the foundation, but would like to know what it is costing us. We see the two line items (8062.1 and 8062.4) totaling $15,000 for the foundation, and would like to know whether there are any other associated expenses included elsewhere in the budget.

2. What are the financial implications of offering an early retirement incentive to district employees and where do the various board members stand on the issue? We gathered from public comments made by Emil Voigt that the superintendent had proposed an incentive program that was rejected by the board. Given that the district has offered incentives in the past, we would like to know what went into the decision in this case and what it means to the budget.

We thank you for the tremendous amount of time and effort you donate to this school district and look forward to your response.

Richard Staller, President, Birchwood Civic Association