OPINION: Ossining School Budget – Vote YES

Letter to the Editor:

The Ossining Administration and Board of Education have again shown that they are listening to the community by putting forth a budget that demonstrates fiscal responsibility coupled with continued excellence in education. The administration has worked with many of the district stakeholders to decrease costs in order to maintain important educational programs. These cuts include $3.3 million in non-classroom costs including lowered transportation costs and a new employee health care plan that alone saves the district $2.3 million.

Over 100 staff positions have been lost since 2009 despite an increase in enrollment of 347 students.   The Ossining schools have managed to continue to demonstrate amazing academic, athletic and cultural advances with the extraordinary efforts of all involved. Our high school was one of three schools in the country recently awarded the Intel School of Distinction for its excellence and innovation in science education. Both AMD concert bands earned the rating of Gold with Distinction at the New York State School Music Association Festival. Our high school girls’ basketball team has two members on the All-State list this year. I want to thank our teachers and administration for continuing to provide guidance and outstanding experiences for our students.

Let’s be sure that our younger students enjoy all that has made Ossining a “school of distinction.” I worry knowing that a defeated budget will mean cutting another $2.5 million and handling the loss of many teachers and the programs that make Ossining an amazing place for our children to learn. Please join me in voting “yes” for the proposed budget on May 15th.

Sincerely,

Melissa Shandroff

Ossining, NY