Parents Angered by Math Cuts in the Middle School

Several parents are unhappy that the math club and math team for seventh graders were cut at Commack Middle School.

According to the distruct's 2010-2011 budget, cutting the math club saved the district $743.25, and cutting the seventh grade math team saved $1,486.50. Similarly, cutting the stock market club saved $991, equalling a $3220.75  savings for all three reductions to the afterschool offerings at the middle school.

Iris Passaro said she has four children in the district and many of them are gifted in math and sciences, something she said the district does not account for.

Passaro's eldest child is currently in the high school and she said had math not been available for him throughout his time in the middle school, he would not be the student he is today. Her daughter – currently in seventh grade – also enjoys writing, so she is not concerned about her daughter's ability to feel part of a team.

Parent Lisa Eisenberg said she has three children in the district and has the same concern – particularly since the middle school also cut the stock market club.

Passaro and Eisenberg said the administration at the middle school told them to have their children seek outside enrichment, either online or at a tutoring center. Both said this is not an acceptable option.

Superintendent Donald James said this is an issue that comes up in his community meetings with parents. Some parents, James said, are working on creating a booster club to fill the gaps left by the budget.

Eisenberg said that this is a nice offer by these parents, it still does not help her children feel connected to the school. She also noted that children may be less inclined to continue working after school, outside of the school setting.

Board of Education President Mary-Jo Masicello said in this economic climate every group suffers from the cuts made across the board. Each cut was made logically, she said, and offered the example of the math club being offered in sixth and eighth grade to get students interested at an early age and keep them engaged before high school.