Mixed Messages on School Budgets From Voters

Voters from around and coming to the polls on Tuesday are voicing their opinions about the school budgets but they’re not all speaking with one voice.

Thomas Bjurlof from Port Jefferson said that he thinks that before residents approve any school budget it needs to be reviewed by the .

“The superintendent needs to be fully accountable for the new budget,” he said. “It hence makes no sense for voters to approve the current proposal which was developed by the previous administration.”

He said that the proposed budget fails to “address the imperatives stated in Governor Cuomo's State of the State speech.”

“The Governor asked New York school districts to be creative, to rethink key issues, to think ‘outside the box,’” Bjurlof said.

He said that the school district will need to get a handle on the cost per student or face some hard choices.

“If the district is not able to do so, consolidation of districts should be considered as a realistic alternative,” said Bjurlof. “Even though there are both legal and emotional hurdles to overcome in such a scenario.”

Mark Kauffman, a photographer living in Port Jefferson, said that he wants residents to vote for school board members who will spend more money on the children.

“Investing in our children's education is the most important place to put our resources,” he said.

Laura Hill Timpanaro of Port Jefferson said that because of the looming problems with LIPA and a tough economy this is a pivotal year.

“Today's budget vote going forward should be very indicative of the community's concerns,” said Timpanaro.

She said that she hopes the budget will preserve the “highest quality of education possible.”

“Which includes an even handed distribution of options in arts, math, science and sports,” said Timpanaro. “By maintaining a high level of education we also maintain a high value for our properties.”

Changes are sure to come with a new superintendent in Port Jefferson and at least one of the two board seats going to a brand new member, Timpanaro said, “it’s time to rally the community and school to common cause so we can move forward unified in purpose and action.”

Camille who is a senior citizen from Port Jefferson Station said she voted against the budget, which will raise taxes in Comsewogue school district by almost 10 percent.

“We’re in a pickle here,” she said. “It’s not good. Any senior citizen who doesn’t vote against it is crazy.”