Letter: Serious Problems Require Change at Briarcliff School Board

To the Editor:

We live in a new normal and nowhere is that more clear than with our school district in Briarcliff Manor.  Falling enrollment, plunging real estate prices and declining incomes have run into the headwinds of increased, uncontrolled costs that have rapidly escalated in the arenas of health care, pension costs and unfunded mandates.  They present daunting challenges to provide funding of our educational system.  This is not the only challenge we face.  As we look around, we see other districts able to do more with less.  Spending per pupil remains near the very highest in the county but the same cannot be said of our educational system.

Our Board has struggled to somehow reduce the increased tax levy but we will still be one of only four districts that will exceed the tax levy and that’s probably the best news since next year threatens to be a more serious economic challenge.  Our expenses for retirement and health care will only escalate further.  Our teachers will no longer tolerate a freeze and even step increases combined with even a modest increase in salaries will drive our economic deficit ever higher.

This year our community is faced with two choices the first being whether to support the cap-busting budget.  If that budget is not supported by 60% simple majority, its defeat will send the Board scrambling to come up with further cuts.  The current Board speaks and thinks with one mind; if this problem existed in the Congress where only Democrats and Republicans were elected, we would have a demise of democracy as we know it. 

Electing Mr. Linder and Mr. Wasserman to the Board would more than provide a diversity of thought.  It would bring a level of financial and managerial expertise that is sorely needed.  Mr. Wasserman’s strong background in finance and his careful analysis of our economic complexities is vital to dealing with the economic challenges we face.  Mr. Linder’s background in management which he brought to Briarcliff’s school district in helping reduce our energy costs by $200,000 is equally required as we face future economic precipices.

Leaving aside the economics, it is critical that we examine our educational program.  These two candidates have pledged to fully explore the perplexing question:  Why other highly performing districts have achieved equal if not superior educational outcomes for less.  They are committed to not only working harder but smarter to elevate our educational outcomes while minimizing their economic impact. 

It’s time that someone looked at our system and announced that perhaps the emperor doesn’t have any clothes.  Fresh faces, new viewpoints, and a level of high competence are what our district needs.  Remember that when you go to the ballots; vote for excellence and sustainability with Linder and Wasserman.

Sincerely,
Victor M. Sternberg, D.M.D.
Hirst Road 
Briarcliff Manor

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