Archive: Opinions

Letters to the EditorThe Lansing Central school district has been through some rough times as of late. Presently we are dealing with a very difficult budget season where it has become necessary for us to not replace some teaching positions through attrition (retirement). In addition to the loss of people, we are also facing the loss of programs in some cases. Despite this, the Lansing Faculty Association is in support of the current budget being put forth to voters on May 20, 2008.

How could we be supportive of a budget that cuts our teachers and programs? Simply put, the manner in which the development of this budget was conducted gave us faith that we will be able to overcome these hard times. The administration team, with Dr. Stephen Grimm at the helm, has led a very inclusive and transparent budget creation process with weekly meetings being conducted in order to gather input from us; the teachers, teaching assistants and nurses. They listened and made changes based on what we suggested and walked a very tight line of deciphering the needs and wants of the entire district.

Perhaps this budget still represents a tax levy increase for you that seems unreasonable, but I ask you to consider that the current budget is only a 1.2% increase from last year's spending, which is rare in education.

Unfortunately, due to poor budgeting of the past, Lansing taxpayers are being asked to make up for a deficit created in the '07-'08 school year bringing the overall budget increase to 3.37%. What remains as our top priority as educators is that the quality of education does not decrease, despite our staff and program reductions.

The Lansing Faculty Association urges all Lansing voters to head to the polls and vote YES for the students of Lansing on May 20. By doing so, you are joining us to ensure that the whole district is working together towards providing the best education possible at the best cost to the taxpayers.

Stacie Kropp
Lansing Faculty Association President
Lansing, NY

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