We write in response to the letter from Richard Staller, president of the Birchwood Civic Association, which was printed in your publication on Feb. 27. At the outset, we very much appreciate the support of the concept of the Jericho Educational Foundation (JEF) expressed by Mr. Staller. The active support of the entire Jericho schools community is essential to our success. Our success will directly benefit not only the children of our schools, but the taxpayers who repeatedly see their tax bills rise.

But what is the Jericho Educational Foundation? Similar to other school districts, costs and expenses have increased to the point where yearly budgets are simply insufficient to provide for the needs of students. Jericho, like other school districts, has found that certain needed capital expenditures are perpetually bypassed when budget priorities are implemented. As a result, various school facilities fall into disrepair, depriving our children of the benefit of their use. As those facilities deteriorate, the costs of repair or replacement increase, thereby making it increasingly and fiscally burdensome to ameliorate. JEF and similar school foundations endeavor to fund those projects which school boards determine cannot be covered in their budgets. This is accomplished solely through the efforts of local volunteers who dedicate themselves to raising the funds necessary to fill these budgetary shortcomings.

The Jericho Educational Foundation is currently comprised of parents of Jericho schools students, high school juniors, seniors and faculty. Both the foundation board and its executive director have requested a discontinuation of any funding by the Jericho school board.

The initial project of the JEF is to raise funds for replacement of the high school track. We place this goal, and the benefits provided to the children of the community, above all else. In pursuit of our task, in May 1997, we held the First Annual JEF Art Auction at the high school. The event was a tremendous success, supported by both local merchants and corporate sponsors. Invitations and flyers inviting everyone to attend the second annual auction, which will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the high school, have already been distributed throughout the community. We encourage all to attend. Please call Joseph Lorintz at 681-0020 for tickets and more information.

JEF reports to the Jericho school board at each and every monthly meeting. We are, of course, available to answer questions about JEF activities posed by interested members of the community both during the public comment period of the school board meetings and at any other time. We welcome not only your questions, but your ideas, suggestions and active support to help further the foundation's objectives and goals.

Since JEF's mandate is to raise funds to alleviate the need for expenditures under the school budget, active support of the foundation, its objectives and public events will necessarily benefit everyone in the community. We ask that our good neighbors join us in placing the interests of our children at the forefront so that they may experience the best possible educational experience.