The Jericho School budget hearings evidenced a leadership vacuum. Jericho is known as a number one district in this country because of the accomplishments of the student body that is the result of intensive effort by the faculty, services provided by the district, opportunities through clubs and other initiatives and course offerings.

Leadership by example and modeling is the most effective type of leadership. In Jericho, however, this appears not to be the case. Central administration is facing little, if any, cuts in its budget. In fact, the superintendent's budget line (for the superintendent and one and one half secretaries) is increased by approximately 10 percent ($30,000) from the 2004-05 budget. The Public Information Service personnel line (one person) is increasing by approximately 9 percent ($6,000). The Finance Business Administration Personnel Services budget is up 25 percent ($150,000) from the 2003/2004 ST-3 (actual expenditures). (See the Budget Presentations on the Jericho School District website). At the last two budget meetings, it was pointed out that the faculty, students and community were all being asked to pull in their belts and the superintendent was asked what he was doing to pull in his; there was no response.

This year's budget includes reductions in non-instructional staff in nursing, guidance, curriculum and library staffing (See Budget Presentation #4 on Jericho Schools website, p. 22), reductions in instructional staffing "caseworker 1/2 time, middle school social studies/Chinese, termination of driver's education program; support and elementary classes (p.23)", reduction in clubs to half time and review of service functions at the MS/HS (p.23); reduction of professional development funding (p. 23).

In addition recommendations included reductions in sports activities (teams, assistants and uniforms), field trips, musical activities and reduction in building budgets. The items listed for reductions are some of the items that distinguish the Jericho Schools from other educational programs.

These are reductions that are in addition to the continued underfunding in the music and drama programs. In at least two top school districts, Syosset and Great Neck, the music and drama programs are strongly supported and both Syosset and Great Neck have been recognized as Grammy Signature schools.

I believe we must do the fiscally responsible things to ensure that our school taxes are kept under control. However, the first place to look before impacting students' educational opportunities should be administrative costs. Our superintendent and our board have sorely failed us.

Saundra M. Gumerove-Bernstein