Reckless Judgment

To the Editor:

The Garrison Union Free School District pulled the plug on its fiscal transparency with the Board's unanimous surprise vote quashing the 13-year Budget Advisory Committee, on January 6. This transpired without warning, or apology.

The BAC comprised trustees, administrators, and faculty, and several "civilian" volunteers, myself included. These included parents of children in the district and private schools, parents with no children, empty nesters, seniors, business owners, property owners, renters, longtime residents, and newbies.

Including three who volunteered all 13 years, we were instrumental in achieving a 2009-2010 zero-percent tax increase while maintaining educational excellence. Over the years we have gone over every proposed expense line by line, asking hard, sometimes unpleasant questions.

For example, why does a K-8 school with less than 300 students need the bloat of a full-time Business Director with over a $90,000 salary, in addition to Superintendent, Principal, Outside Accountant/Attorney/ Insurance/State Auditor, and expensive BOCES oversight?

Or why did the taxpayers have to eat the approximate $40,000 purchase of 25 laptops three years ago for the upper school when the brand new computer lab already had thirty computers? Enough to handle two classes at once?

And why did the taxpayers fund a Westchester theatre company $14,000 for a theatre program when a number of Broadway-caliber Garrison dramatists are happy to make do with a FRACTION of that. Or even volunteer?

Could it be the BAC has been too good at fighting for district taxpayers in this economy? Or perhaps its elimination is to avoid scrutiny as the budget is fattened in 2011?

The BOE has replaced the BAC with series of informal "drop-in" workshops open to the community. While this is a good thing, it is no substitute for focused, comprehensive meetings with members who have developed a wealth of experience regarding district fiscal matters, past and present. Why not have both?

I urge concerned fellow taxpayers to request the reinstatement of the BAC. Please call District Superintendent of Schools Gloria Colucci 424-3689, ext. 222.
Goldee Greene
GARRISON