Wantagh School District Ladies

I strongly urge each and every one of you to become involved in our District Budget Advisory and Board of Ed meetings and processes. We are facing a 2mil loss of state aid and a 1.8 mil dollar budget increase in non instructional spending. - Do the math we are deep trouble.

The first round of budget talks calls for the class sizes of up to 28 students at the elementary school level. That's 28:1 - with no classroom aids! Also slated is the loss of 4 elementary level teachers 2 from Wantagh El 1 from Forest Lake and 1 from Mandalay in addition to scheduled retirements.

There are also talks of one of our elementary schools closing completely. There has been no mention of cutting sports or other extracurricular activities. WHERE ARE OUR PRIORITIES!!

If you don't like any of these proposals and want to do something about it - SHOW UP and be heard or just show up show support. Senator Fuschillo will be at the Wantagh Public Library tomorrow from 1 - 3. Lets let him know that we can not afford a 2 mil cut.
The next BAC meeting is Tuesday March 1st at 8:00 at the HS the next BOE meeting is Thursday March 10 at 8:00 at the HS. If you care please be there!

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

The class size increases were already approved at the general board meeting last week. It's now 26 kids per class K-2 and 28 per class 3-5. 6-12 classes are now 30 + a 10% variance, so potentially up to 33 kids, no? I wanted to cry when I sat there and heard them all approve it.

I heard that they aren't serious about closing Mandalay, that it got blown way out of proportion. One of the moms in DD's class knows someone on the BAC and someone who works for the district admin offices and both said that IS NOT being explored in this year's budget, in spite of the rampant rumors.

But yes, I plan on being at BAC meetings when I can get a sitter. I had to miss last night's due to a GS field trip, so maybe they said something different about Mandalay?

Message edited 2/16/2011 2:20:18 PM.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

I do not live in Wantagh, but grew up there and went to school at Mandalay, i would hate to see it close.:( it is really sad what is happening in our schools. As a mother of a 9 and 14 year old (and a new teacher who can not find a job) something needs to be done. 28 children in a classroom is way to much for one teacher to handle. Good luck to wantagh school district..

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

The class size increase met its first approval it needs to go through a second round of votes for final approval. The elementary schools are taking the hit on everything that is being proposed. This is due to a somewhat dwindling enrollment. There are 92 K students slated to come in next year vs 125 this year and similar numbers the last 3.

From what I heard today Mandalay closing or a move to the Princeton Method are still on the table but unlikely to be acted on immediately. IMO Wantagh BAC and BOE like to throw out worst case as scare tactics. BUT there were specific teachers named today - and unfortunately they are all great great teachers - so those cuts sound serious.

We need to spread the word to the families with pre school and elementary level children. We need to get as much attention to this issue as possible.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

Ugh, that's depressing to hear. I do wonder if some of these rumors are being started as a tactic to strong arm the teachers union into settling their contract.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

This is plain terrible. What is going on in these schools? I love Wantagh and wanted to raise my children there but I can't afford the taxes. You mean to tell me while people continue to pay these high taxes, the cut in state aid will mean all these cuts. Where is all the money going? I smell one thing and that's CORRUPTION. Not just in Wantagh of course, but in EVERY school. This needs to stop! I really hope your voices are heard! I intend to do my share in my school district. Our poor kids.

Message edited 2/16/2011 3:24:32 PM.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

I think its ridiculous, I moved here to be in a good school district. Our taxes are completely out of control. Where is all the money going?? I'm so upset by this

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

I teach in the city where we have 30 kids in a class, get paid a lot less so this is nothing new to me...with that said, the amount of taxes I pay I do not think that there should be 28 kids in a class...something has to give

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

If you want to know where your money is going, you need to go to the BOE meetings. They spell it out line by line (supplies, extracurricular activities, salaries (teaching and nonteaching), building maintenance, BOCES, transportation, etc). If you attend these meetings, you can have your voice heard and can impact the budget. People who attend these meetings may not want the same things saved/cut that you want, so it is important for the BOE to hear from you.

Additionally, schools are having state aid dramatically cut, which is forcing many schools to cut programs, activities, electives, etc, which in turn leads to teachers being laid off and an increase in class size.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

It's going to be even worse in 2012 if the state passes this tax cap. It's going to be brutal for school districts.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

just a reminder to come see Senator Fuschillo to let hem know how you feel about this cut in aid.

Re: Wantagh School District Ladies

Thanks for posting!