All:
The +4% budget missed passing by 54 votes. That’s it. Did you miss the vote? Be thankful it didn’t pass by 1. It could happen.
Now, the school board is trying to decide what to do next. NY state law gives them a “do-over” It’s a horrible concept because it gives them little incentive to sharpen the pencil the first time, but that’s the state we live in.
They will be tempted to submit another cap-busting budget. Surely, they might think, they can pick up those extra votes, and in late June the private school families or those without kids will be drifting off.
In an effort to produce a Greek Chorus of support, some BCSD parents have sent out a survey to the community – their community. I know I didn’t get it, I had to rely on some Mad as Hell readers to forward it to me. The survey seeks to frighten parents with cuts (music! sports!) when the real issue is the BTA (Bedford Teachers Association – the union), and their unwillingness to accept a pay freeze or less (wildly) generous benefits.
I urge everyone to answer the survey. It takes about a minute. Tell them you won’t stand for more hikes until the fundamental problem is fixed. We can’t go through this every year. Make sure to make a comment at the bottom demonstrating you know where the real problem lies – the BTA.
Incidentally, before you think I’m being “mean” or I just don’t like teachers (I was one, incidentally), you can see what teachers and admins make at BCSD here: http://seethroughny.net/payrolls/15361629. Keep in mind, this is only base salaries, and only for 180 days of contractual work. Rule of thumb is to add another 30% for benefits, and that doesn’t even include pensions, which are 75% of peak base salary for life.
Here is the survey:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2791640/BCSDBudget
And make sure to plan on voting June 21st! If you’re not here, get an absentee ballot. (I will let you know when those become available.)
Scott