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Post by kathyt on May 21, 2013 12:03:55 GMT -5
Im in 100% support of Kera. Im still currently undecided who else Im voting for.
If we want to keep our kids education our first priority, you shouldnt fail the budget.
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Post by rr on May 21, 2013 12:18:34 GMT -5
Scout - the fact that your talking about Full Day K being a short sighted decision discredits everything you wrote. It's obviously a long term decision and one that needs to be made now.
If I understand your argument you mean we'll have to find a way to fund Full Day K in 2014...so you mean we'll be like the other 98% of SD's on LI?? Yeah, I think we can find a way to fund a program that is as important as full day K.
It's a shame its taken SO long to adopt but we're finally there and we need to step up and support the program. In my opinion the coincidence is not about anyone's grandkids being a certain age, although that is pretty funny, its more about the teachers union / administration and their fear that the kids will fall behind the at an early age and not do well on the 'tests', which will negatively impact them. I'm in favor of the testing but hate the way that certain teachers and admins have created such a stir and focus on the test rather than educating our kids.
For whatever reason we've finally got it in the budget and we should support it - it's important that we create more reasons for people to move to and raise a family in Wantagh. Full Day K is not only important to the kids but to our town and our home values...we need to keep up and raise the profile of Wantagh - not be a laughing stock for not having a program that is so widely accepted.
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Post by lilly on May 21, 2013 12:31:06 GMT -5
kathyt, here is my 30 second elevator pitch.
I did vote for Kera for reasons I won't reiterate.
I am a huge fan of Bill Russack. He has demonstrated budget acumen and we need that on the BOE. He is a person of integrity and I happen to like that he is "apolitlical", not into the quid pro quo, gossipy town BS. Some may view that as a negative, I view it as a positive - it is not a popularity contest, it is who is right for the kids and taxpayers. At the end of the day, that is all it's about - kids (keep them high) and taxes (keep them low). Period, end of story, lol.
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dave
New Member
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Post by dave on May 21, 2013 13:37:03 GMT -5
Chris - not sure if you were including me in your last post re those of use who should state who we support & why, but I did state who i'm voting for and its based on what i've seen in their profiles and backrounds. I also mentioned why I'm against your friend Bill. I think its time to change up the board a bit & I'd like people in these positions who have kids in the school.
As for Scout, you get to vote however you want, but if you care about the value of your home you should reconsider. We will pay for Kindergarten just as we pay for every other grade level and program that the district offers and that's through our normal budget. the funds we got this year will help kick the program off and cover some start up expenses. Fact is if we want Wantagh to be considered as a place for young families to move to that this is a no brainer. If you vote down the budget you are only hurting all the programs and offerings we have now across the board. You are not just shooting down full d k. Fact is, full day kindergarten can be implemented even if the budget fails.
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Post by Chris_Wendt on May 21, 2013 13:56:18 GMT -5
Dave indicated his preference with this rationale: "I think its time to change up the board a bit & I'd like people in these positions who have kids in the school." Of course with Jean Quinn coming off the board, there is already significant change built-in. Losing Bill at the same time would be a 33% change, much more than a little bit of change-up. Even the best novice Board Members will need tutelage, and with two of three past presidents gone, that does not leave much in the way of resources to apply to that task. This is the Board of Education after all, and I think for this critical role, Bill and Kera, both holding Masters Degrees are our best shot at future success. You and I have differing opinions and to each of us belongs our own votes. We will know the outcome in less than 7 hours. Please stand by.... Chris Wendt
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dave
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Post by dave on May 21, 2013 14:35:14 GMT -5
I also mentioned that I wanted someone with relevant work experience It seems we agree on Kera. As for DOn Lang, he has 20+ years experience in the education field well as a Masters degree (since that seems to be the criteria you prefer in your choices.)
But as you said, I have already voted and we will see the outcome later. Regardless of who wins. I just hope the board continues to work with & listen to the community to provide the best opportunities for our teachers and children to truly thrive in the 2013-2014 school year.
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Post by tiredoftaxes on May 21, 2013 20:11:02 GMT -5
Hey Wantagh90....I did go out to vote no on the budget, and yes I am very aware that there would be a tax increase regardless...I just want to point out that I disagree with your statements that the trustees do not have their own agends and work together ...After living in Wantagh for over 20 years I have a pretty good idea as to what goes on here...Go ask Mel & the 5 ex-superindentents what they went through...I voted for the kid and Hoffman, because I thought they were the least tainted by the current Wantagh education system....All the other candidates appear to be related to some sort of teachers or police unions....When push comes to shove in labor negotiations, you know which way they will vote!!!
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dave
New Member
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Post by dave on May 21, 2013 21:31:52 GMT -5
Results are in. Budget passed and Kera and Peter won the board spots. Overall, personally I think it reflects a great job by our community. Passing the budget was important and I like the changing of the guard on the BOE.
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