Archive: Around Town

Teachers lined up in the April 10 Board of Education (BOE) meeting to protest the Board's decision not to grant health benefits to same-sex partners   Lansing Faculty Association (LFA, the teacher's union) President Sue Henne said the decision contradict's a BOE policy approved in 2000 that says, "Lansing Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status national origin, race, sex, or sexual orientation."

"I interpret this differently than you do," Henne told the Board.  She asked current BOE members to consult those who served in 2000 to get a reading on their intent in passing the policy.  The only current member that served at that time was Anne Drake, who said that she agrees with the teacher's interpretation.  BOE member Christine Iacobucci also stated she agrees with the teachers.


Others who addressed the board included 6th grade teacher and LFA Vice President Stacie Kropp, High School psychologist Penne Barresi, High School teachers Tucker Winter and Julie Berens, Elementary School enrichment teacher Patty Jennings and High School Senior Tom Kraft.  Kraft asked the BOE to look at the issue from the student's perspective, saying "a lot of what you learn in school is social values.  A lot of teachers and students tolerate derogatory comments about gays.  This could be a chance to set an example for the kids in the community."

BOE President Bonita Lindberg said, "I would rather not discuss contracts in a public session."  Contract matters are discussed in private executive sessions.  Most of the board listened but did not respond to the teachers who spoke.  "Benefits are subject to contract negotiations," she said.  "That is where it should be discussed."

While Drake said that same-sex partners should get the benefit, she expressed strong concern about rising taxes.  "I am concerned about the way our district is going forward," she said.  "Members of the community are distressed that taxes keep going up.  Their income is not."  

Drake said that most attending the meeting are fortunate, but said, "There are people in our community who can't stay here because the cost is too high."  She admonished the board and administrators to stop adding staff positions, look at creative ways to maintain programs.  She advocated evaluation procedures for wastefulness, such as duplicate mailings to parents of two or more students.  She expressed concern that "a much needed building project" could be in jeopardy if budget costs are not cut.  "If we don't start now to look at ways to cut our costs, we are going to have a real problem," she said.

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