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isabelle2137
LIF Adult
Member since 12/06 1076 total posts
Name:
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School budgets - it's that time
Ugh, how can we be facing a nation wide recession and yet my K-6 district can't seem to cut back on anything?? No cuts, instead a 4.1% increase. Just for elemenatary schools?
Ridiculous 
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Posted 4/3/09 10:23 AM  |
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Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource | Long Island Weddings |
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
I have a feeling that hardly any will pass this year. Everyone is strapped and just can't afford even a little bit of an increase.
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| Posted 4/3/09 11:43 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
unfortunately we are paying more for everything and so are the schools. Look at the teachers' board - there are a lot of cuts planned which will cost jobs for LIers.
I think it will be pretty nervy for a district to ask for more than 4% though.
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| Posted 4/3/09 12:42 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
I am in N. Merrick S.D. and my school taxes have increased almost $3k over the past 3 years we have lived in the house  It is insane.
I saw an article in Newsday last week re: teacher layoffs and I read the Merrick-Bellmore District did away with a theater/dance program where they send kids to a special school or something and the cost is 10k per child they send on top of the 10k per child the school district already spends. I'm glad they cut the program. When I was younger and I took dance lessons my parents paid for them. Why should I pay for some other kid to do theatre and dance at a special program? If I want to send my son to football camp at Penn State when he gets older is the school district gonna pick up the tab for that???
ETA: I support teachers and their salaries. I dont support paying big bucks to 100 executives (superintendant, Asst. superintendant, deputy superintendant, asst. deputy superintendant...you get my point). And unfortunately, schools are going to have to prioritize right now.
Message edited 4/3/2009 12:56:11 PM.
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| Posted 4/3/09 12:54 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
When DH and I will get a raise then we will contribute to others getting raises.
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| Posted 4/3/09 1:01 PM |
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isabelle2137
LIF Adult
Member since 12/06 1076 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
I just can't see how it isn't possible to make some cuts. We pay extra for dance classes/creative arts/foreign languages. Our Kindgergarten classes are 3 at 15 kids each.
Sorry to say it, but cut one of the Kindergarten teachers and combine classes to 22-23 kids each. Foreign language is taught for 5 years at the higher grade levels. Cut it from the k-6 budget. Dance and drama? Parents should be paying for that.
Layoffs are not fun for anyone. I don't understand why my school district refuses to acknowledge that in these financial times, cutbacks are necessary.
Sorry for the vent, I am just so sick of our current administrators.
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| Posted 4/3/09 1:11 PM |
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Elizabeth
Mom of Three
Member since 9/05 7900 total posts
Name:
"MOMMY!!!"
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
We are looking at 4-6% increase. 6% if we finally go to full day Kindergarten, 4% if not.
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| Posted 4/3/09 1:38 PM |
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TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
Name:
Mama mama mama....
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by smdl
When DH and I will get a raise then we will contribute to others getting raises.
Many districts' budgets are not increasing b/c of teacher's raises; they are going up b/c they are getting reduced aid from NYS. Districts on LI are asking teachers to put more money into their helthcare coverage, eliminating salary increases, cutting programs, cutting teachers and support personnel. In my husband's district, class sizes will balloon to 32+ students at the high school level b/c his school is not replacing two teachers that are retiring.
And all while trying to educate growing populations. As the economy worsens, more and more people are pulling their kids from private schools and enrolling them in public. Add that to a mini baby-boom (91-93 and again in 2000) and increasing demands from the state re ELL and SpEd students, schools are chronically short funding to do what they need.
Are there abuses? Absolutely. There are instances of administrators taking huge pay raises and padding their pensions. But more often than not, schools are struggling to do more for more kids with less money. NYS needs to allocate funding fairly, and LI gets jipped.
Just my two cents.
Message edited 4/3/2009 2:42:04 PM.
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| Posted 4/3/09 2:14 PM |
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MrsYank
She's here :)
Member since 4/07 3238 total posts
Name:
Mrs. Yank
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
 Not going to go there.
Message edited 4/3/2009 4:51:39 PM.
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| Posted 4/3/09 4:17 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Nobody is attacking anyone but we need to be realistic here.
With all the layoffs, cut in pay, no raises, taxpayers just cannot keep paying more taxes. It's not about not wanted kids to study foreign languages or not, about teachers getting a raise or not. It's about NOT BEING ABLE TO.
What people are saying is that the "cash cow" is not as wealthy so some cuts will be necessary. Whether it's teachers or an administrator making mega $$$. And since the administrators are handling the budget decisions well....make your own conclusion on what will be spared... their income!
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| Posted 4/3/09 4:32 PM |
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KLSbear
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 1908 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
At our company we have eliminated all paid holidays, starting last Christmas and going through the end of this year - time off but not paid. We also do not get any more paid sick days, matches on the 401K were eliiminated, no merit raises, no bonuses, and on top of it we have to take an additional unpaid day off per month. For 2009 that's 21 days pay that I have lost this year that I got last year. We agreed to this in order to save our own jobs and those of our co-workers so the number of layoffs could be reduced. When I see the teachers unions and administrators for the school district make similar concessions to help balance the budget then I'll consider listening to any need for more money to run the schools.
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| Posted 4/3/09 5:44 PM |
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CAMCaps
Live Laugh Love Run
Member since 6/07 4922 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by Elizabeth
We are looking at 4-6% increase. 6% if we finally go to full day Kindergarten, 4% if not.
It is odd that the increase will be greater if you get full time kindergarten for two reasons:
1. There is a HUGE stimulus check that districts get for going full day
2. They save on transportation costs.
I agree cutting is necessary, but increasing class size is an awful option. Putting 22-24 kids in a K class - I can not imagine that. I do not have children and do not teach younger grades, but I can not imagine teaching that many 6 year olds at once. They need so much attention and think about it this way - the teacher is literally teaching them EVERYTHING! This is a student's basis for education for their ENTIRE life.
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| Posted 4/3/09 7:31 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by CAMCaps
It is odd that the increase will be greater if you get full time kindergarten for two reasons:
1. There is a HUGE stimulus check that districts get for going full day
2. They save on transportation costs.
I'm not sure what the stimulus amount will be, but my district is 1/2 day and has no desire to consider full day. From what I hear the salaries (classroom teachers plus specials) and additional space costs more than what they lose out from the state.
Posted by KLSbear
no bonuses, and on top of it we have to take an additional unpaid day off per month.
It works both ways - in good times teachers will never see a bonus! never going to happen.
I would LOVE to take an unpaid day if I thought it would help...but if I did - a sub would have to be hired...so it's not as much of a savings.
and technically...teachers are not paid for the summer. Even when I look at my salary that way...DH still makes more than me...
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| Posted 4/3/09 8:41 PM |
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Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
The increases aren't going to the teacher's salaries....that's already in the budget and the contract - there's nothing you can do about that.
The increases go towards special education services, building maintenance costs, the cost of energy for the building, programs for the kids, books, etc.
Increases in budgets have to be made because the cost of everything has gone up....I know it costs more to maintain my house this year....I would expect the same of the school.
I hate when people look to cut the teacher's salaries....or even mention that teachers get raises as if we're a selfish money-grubbing group of people. It's disgusting.
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| Posted 4/3/09 8:49 PM |
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jes81276
summer fun!
Member since 3/06 4962 total posts
Name:
Jaime
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
of all the comments I have read on this post, I am very confused about many things.....
1) why would anyone in their right mind want the class size of 5 & 6 year olds to be increased????? Are you a parent or have you taught that age???? I am both, and believe me, as a parent and a teacher you know that increasing the class size doesn't do anything except hurt the student.
2) Do you really think that we teachers have it SO good???? Do we have good jobs? Yes.....great?? no.....
spend a day in our shoes and I think you will se things very differently. We make a very modest salary - and considering the amount of education I have, I actually don't make that much at all. I don't know many people who have gone to school for 7+ years and have 60 more credits past their masters and make what I do.
3) As a teacher, believe me, I see that money is poorly spent all over the place....it's a sin what money is wasted on and spent on.....and as a tax payer, I understand that the increase each year is very rough, especially in these economic times....but the reality is that with the prices of everything increasing, so does the cost of running a school....everything from gas, electric, books, etc. to the very basic, glue, has increased.
The bad rap that we get SUX.....I think that the misinformation out there is awful.....I love how Newsday reports that teachers make $100k + a year....well I will tell you that in 10 years I still won't be making this money, and I have already been teaching for several years.............
If you are going to complain - go to the budget meetings in your district and get informed before you decide that we teachers are living the good life while everyone else is suffering....
Message edited 4/3/2009 9:01:23 PM.
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| Posted 4/3/09 8:52 PM |
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strongisland
All you need is love
Member since 8/07 2474 total posts
Name:
T
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU
i love this!
i am surrounded by teachers and i always feel that they get a bad rap.....they do not make what people think..newsday always posts the salaries for the highest paid districts (wealthiest) and fails to mention that those high salaries also represent people teaching 25 + yrs.....i hate when this topic comes up...these are the people that are with "your" kids everyday, wiping tears, educating, giving love, giving snack, giving advice, giving supplies, buying things out of their own pocket, lacing shoes, buying xmas gifts for poor kids, and the list goes on....
if people feel that they make so much...maybe the community should demand that they don't want highly educated teachers? then the teachers won't have to pay $40K for a masters! don't people want the best and brightest people educating their kids?
....to me teachers are priceless! i still keep in touch w/my 1st grade teacher-she was at my wedding!
i understand that cuts do need to be made but teacher salaries are always the first ones on the list for people to complain/talk about...and i just feel like when people talk about this -they are so negative towards teachers --idk.....
ETA: i had this in my original but decided to cut it out but now iam putting it back in!
everything goes up...gas for buses, maintenece for buses, cost for electric, etc....just like we see it in our everyday lives...so do the schools....
Message edited 4/3/2009 9:02:45 PM.
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| Posted 4/3/09 8:57 PM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Just an FYI,
If the budget doesn't pass and the school goes on austerity, it doesn't mean your taxes aren't going to go up.
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| Posted 4/4/09 3:42 AM |
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BaroqueMama
Chase is one!
Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by TheDivineMrsM
Posted by smdl
When DH and I will get a raise then we will contribute to others getting raises.
Many districts' budgets are not increasing b/c of teacher's raises; they are going up b/c they are getting reduced aid from NYS. Districts on LI are asking teachers to put more money into their helthcare coverage, eliminating salary increases, cutting programs, cutting teachers and support personnel. In my husband's district, class sizes will balloon to 32+ students at the high school level b/c his school is not replacing two teachers that are retiring.
And all while trying to educate growing populations. As the economy worsens, more and more people are pulling their kids from private schools and enrolling them in public. Add that to a mini baby-boom (91-93 and again in 2000) and increasing demands from the state re ELL and SpEd students, schools are chronically short funding to do what they need.
Are there abuses? Absolutely. There are instances of administrators taking huge pay raises and padding their pensions. But more often than not, schools are struggling to do more for more kids with less money. NYS needs to allocate funding fairly, and LI gets jipped.
Just my two cents.
Thank you. At least some people get it.
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| Posted 4/4/09 6:42 AM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by smdl
Nobody is attacking anyone but we need to be realistic here.
With all the layoffs, cut in pay, no raises, taxpayers just cannot keep paying more taxes. It's not about not wanted kids to study foreign languages or not, about teachers getting a raise or not. It's about NOT BEING ABLE TO.
What people are saying is that the "cash cow" is not as wealthy so some cuts will be necessary. Whether it's teachers or an administrator making mega $$$. And since the administrators are handling the budget decisions well....make your own conclusion on what will be spared... their income!
I do not make "mega $$$" I have been teaching for 13 years with a master's degree put 30 additional credits and I do not make "mega $$$" My husband has not gotten a raise if over 4 years. The district I live in also raises their taxes every year. I do not work and live in the same district. I have to pay increased taxes too. Teachers are not exempt from paying them. In the 4 years we have owned out house our taxes have gone up almost a 1000 a year.
If you want to place blame, blame the goverment, for all the unfunded mandates that they have places upon the school districts. They tell us that we must do this or that but yet they don't fund it. What do they expect.
I too as a tax payer feel like a cash cow but it's not the fault of the teachers. My district has 5 superintdents ?? Why??? They certainly do not need that many at over 150k a pop there is no need. Is this the fault of the teachers??? The rising cost of eletric? Oil?
Please stop making it all about the teachers when a lot of it does come down to the lawmakers.
ETA-- I already work at least 1 week unpaid every summer and almost every weekend for at least 4 hours.
Message edited 4/4/2009 8:30:18 AM.
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| Posted 4/4/09 7:39 AM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
LOVE THIS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS!
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| Posted 4/4/09 7:48 AM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by Jamie
LOVE THIS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS!
I agree! Very true! Thanks!
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| Posted 4/4/09 9:29 AM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
I think that maybe they should try to get the higher paid salaried teachers who are near retirement stage to retire. Cut back on duplicate roles such as supers & principles.
I don't think most people bash teachers for what they earn, but people get "jealous" over the fact of the job security tenure teachers have compared to a non-educational job. I get it, you earn a master's degree and you want fair pay for it. I found out if I earned my masters I would be getting about 5k more then I make now unless i go into teaching (in a college environment.) So basically unless I teach I don't earn that much with that masters - so the incentive is to go teach to earn more not because i want to. Not saying all teacher's do think that way but there are a few and those are the people with tenure that need to be cut and it's very difficult to cut them due to job security.
But I will say I do not know hard facts on teachers with tenure. My only experience was in high school when I lodged two complaints against a tenured teacher and he was never fired. Which angered me and a few other people since he was acting inappropriately. He is still there and earning a boat load of money and driving his jag!
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| Posted 4/4/09 11:23 AM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
SD's on LI need to consolidate! end of story
there is no need for 1000 superintendents and all the administrations that go along with that! every town does NOT need it's own SD. And until this happens, this area of the country will continue to have some of the highest taxes in the US
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| Posted 4/4/09 11:32 AM |
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MrsM-6-7-08
<3
Member since 8/06 4249 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
I don't know how people are going to afford more taxes, every year they go up and up
If people start abandoning their homes, which is happening ALOT
They are obviously not paying their taxes, so where is the school going to get their money from?
Here is a crazy idea,
Why not do away with public schools and turn them into private schools.
And do away with school taxes.
When you have kids you have to pay for private school and then when your kids graduate you don't have to pay anymore.
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| Posted 4/4/09 2:01 PM |
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lbride
Lovin' my mini man!
Member since 3/07 2475 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: School budgets - it's that time
Posted by Nifheim
But I will say I do not know hard facts on teachers with tenure. My only experience was in high school when I lodged two complaints against a tenured teacher and he was never fired. Which angered me and a few other people since he was acting inappropriately. He is still there and earning a boat load of money and driving his jag!
Many tenure teachers have lost and will lose their jobs due to budget restraints and our wonderful gov'ts lack of responsible to properly fund our children's education. Levittown lost many tenure teachers last year and I know my district will lose more than that this year.
Tenure type positions exist in many Union professions, not just teaching. My BIL works a city union job that has this - he makes 3 times more than I do as a teacher - funded by taxpayer money as well - no one complains because Newsday doesn't spend as much time critizing it and taxpayers don't have the option to "vote" on it. He went to 2 years of tech school. I have 2 masters degrees, 4 certifications, and 40 + credits over masters... go figure
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| Posted 4/4/09 2:03 PM |
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