I find it really disrespectful, that at a meeting open to the public about how they want to spend some of our money, that some BOE members would turn their back to the audience, whisper, or turn their microphones off. I find it odd that a basketball coach does not get involved in the personal lives of his players who are from a school with a low graduation rate, high dropout rate, and live in sometimes unsafe neighborhoods. I find it curious and too convenient, that some people who are in charge of the school are related to one another. If it doesn't make sense, it's not worth my cents.

Taxpayers are expected to make substantial contributions of up to 40% to cover the expense of employer based medical plans and it is time for this to be a common practice for the Newburgh school district and other municipal govts. Expecting such medical contributions from public employees is an equity issue. Today, the public expects their elected board members and the administration to make deep cuts to lessen the ever-increasing tax burden on the taxpaying public. The public is tired of the role of those elected that merely exist to protect the status quo. Provide the delivery of essential educational services with a keen eye toward eliminating extras, waste, and reducing all expenses. I know some of us are appreciative of last year’s budget reductions, but there was still a tax hike for many and taxes are still high considering that many are still suffering economically. I call on the BOE to listen to the tax paying public before the roar of the electorate becomes deafening. Any political posturing must come to an end — enough is enough! Let's do the people's business, now!

I know MANY teachers in the school district and elsewhere who are vehemently anti-union - to the point where they are ostracized by 'leaders' when they express they think it is ridiculous to be asking for raises right now and who are willing to contribute more to their health insurance costs - in my experience, these teachers who really want nothing to do with the union are the MAJORITY. However, those teachers who are very active in the union, are the ones who are vocal, and are the ones who run the schools and thus keep a clamp on those with differing opinions and ideas. Added to this is the power of the state NYSUT union boses. All of this for the hundreds of $$$ teachers pay in dues.

The unions should step up to the plate and freeze salaries for the year and contribute 20% toward health insurance. At least they still have jobs.. Yes, I know....these were hard-fought items in labor negotiations. Good...but the situation has changed now. Just like when GM and Chrysler were going under and the UAW made concessions, these unions have to realize the same thing. Not just the teachers, but CSEA, etc. Many of us don't-me included along with 10% of the taxpayers in this district. My benefits used to be paid by my company, but many years ago we had to start paying a percentage. You get over it and move on. Our pension plans have changed.... we now contribute. New hires don't even get one. Not happy, but we must move forward. You can't keep getting huge increases Go ahead union boss lady, prove me wrong, call for a freeze and pay more for that generous tax funded health insurance!

Also, there are too many administrators and inefficient or perhaps even self-serving public school officials adding to the problem of rising budgets and taxes. They thrive on additional tax dollars to manage a constant cadre of failing students with well-paid patronage jobs or building staff promoted or appointed solely because of who they know. School administrators are for the most part former teachers that are not qualified to manage a budget. They may be hard working nice people, but getting an administrative degree doesn't qualify them to manage a $200M budget. It's time to break the strangle hold on our schools and get qualified finance and management professionals in the door. I NEVER see an administrator being laid off. If they want to ask someone for some give back it should start with them.

Parents and their demands for EXTRAS are also adding to the INCRESING TAXES. Eliminate all the DAY CARE and AFTERNOON CARE unless parents pay. ALL of these COLLEGE LEVEL courses, including AP and IB, which count toward a COLLEGE degree should be paid for by parents in FULL including teacher salaries and benefits – not simply a small fee. IB courses appeal to a very small number of elite students and it becomes a private school program within the public. It's a shame to spend more tax money on such a NON MANDATED program, Taxpayers should be paying for a basic NYS Regents Diploma (22 credits). We need to cut back on these extra courses and fund the basics. Reading, Writing, Math. CIVICS, History, SOME art and music, phys ed (real phys ed not “kickball” and THAT IS IT! PERIOD! END OF DISCUSSION!

Amazingly, the board & unions STILL don't get it. How much less would taxes be and how fewer programs cut if all staff took a salary freeze, including steps? How much less if staff funded more of their own health benefits as we do? How much less if we cut bloated admin positions and pay? The teachers’ contract expires June 2010. I expect the BOE to clearly state to the staff two words...."WERE BROKE!" Let the current contracts expire, no more salary/benefit increases until this economy turns around, and increase their health insurance contributions to 20% to offset the $$$ the students have lost. That goes for EVERYONE from the Superintendent to the Janitor. If ANY company in the private sector had a labor expense to operating cost ratio as pathetic as this district does, they would be bankrupt.

What breaks my heart the most is watching 70, 80, 90 year old seniors going to the polling booth and waiting patiently to vote in hope of holding onto their home. They aren't wearing the latest fashions, driving 30K cars or carrying the latest in high tech phones. They are wearing sensible shoes while holding the hand of their long-time spouse. They once paid 3-5% of their income for property taxes. Now, many are paying 10-20% of their fixed income, with a small pension OR social security FOR ever-rising property taxes. The same can be said for the working poor, the under employed and unemployed, including myself, to this list of those hurting economically.

NY and our school districts have been on unsustainable paths for years, and due to political unwillingness, we have come to the precipice. Collectively the outrage will be heard and NY and NECSD will have to reign in the unions, end tenure, create pay for performance so our best teachers and administrators are rewarded and the poor ones are weeded out. We can't afford to carry dead weight, extra costs and a growing educational bureacracy along with extra programs and services. Only public outcry and VOTING NO for any increases in light of the limited alternatives will create this change.