OPINION: Supporting the Port Washington School Budget

After months of discussion and careful consideration of the needs of the students and the community, the Board of Education has proposed a budget that delivers responsible, quality education within the tax cap levy limit.  

The proposed 3.29 percent tax cap levy increase allows our district to maintain programming, while making the necessary investments in technology and security, as well as restoring full-time librarians at the elementary schools.  

This proposed budget is a sincere example of unions and administration working together to provide the best for children and our community at large. Our new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kathleen Mooney, and our Port Washington Teachers Association were able reach an agreement that resulted in a total of 1.3 million dollars in concessions from our teachers union. This agreement has afforded our Board of Education the opportunity to maintain class size, athletics and clubs and the current PEP program with minimal cuts in personnel.

This budget is not perfect and there are certainly things that we would have liked to see included.  It is imperative however, that we all go out and vote in support of this proposed Budget.  Now, more than ever, we need to show our support for the collaboration amongst all our bargaining units. Apathy will put our community at risk for failure and that will ultimately cost us much more.

The School Budget Vote and Election will take place on Tuesday, May 21, from 6 am to 10 pm.  All registered voters are eligible to vote in the School Budget Vote and Election.   

Please come show your support and vote for our children’s future.  Please join us in voting YES for the 2013-2014 School Budget!

Emily Beys and Lauren Edwards
Co-Presidents Parents’ Council