Do It For The Children AND the Taxpayer

Make a difference. We’re all told that we matter, have value, are important and we can make a difference in our lives, touch the lives of others and quite possibly change the world. Reality, however, doesn’t always play along or allow that to happen. And yet, many do find ways to make that difference. Some volunteer in their fire department, at a clinic, a pet sanctuary and some run for office. There are different kinds of office. In Greenburgh, you can earn a ridiculous sum of money working very part-time as an elected Town Board member or even Supervisor. You can be on a Fire District Board with no compensation. You can also be on the School Board, also with no compensation. What you are not taught is how to budget your money, live within your means and adjust your finances when necessary so you do not go into debt. Perhaps they should teach a class in Life 101.

For many attending the School Board Referendum Bond meetings, we sat in wonderment as we were told information offered by others about the $114.6 million school bond referendum vote were lies. We were told that some people out there were giving incorrect information. One thing is certain, in these digital times everyone has access to information like never before. Yet, there is a plethora of information not being offered to the taxpaying public from the School Board regarding this bond proposal. Many people have gone on their own to find out what they could about this proposal, ABG included. Say what they will, but the information we’ve been providing was acquired the old fashioned way: digging into records.

Numerous ABG staffers and others have been gaining more and more insight into the bond proposal without much assistance from the School Board. One staffer had seen the budget for the upcoming year on their web site at $71 million dollars. Yet, during the meeting held at the Lee F Jackson School on Wednesday night, Dr Chase asked Ms O’Neil if she knew what the budget amount was? In an obviously well-rehearsed back and forth, she said she did not. So Dr Chase continued to over-emphasize the fact that the budget was not posted and Ms O’Neil dutifully stated it was probably the estimate as required by law. Estimate or not, it would probably be close to reality but we’ll have to wait to find out because it’s been removed from the School District’s website.

$114.6 million started as $199 million that was whittled down to $168 million to the final number we currently now have: $114.6 million. Why all the games? Legacy. One School Board member and Dr Chase both admitted to it. When one resident asked why this consolidation never happened previously, we were again told, albeit differently, that that was the old Board and this is the new one, with a new Superintendent. Funny, but it’s still the same old taxpayers being duped to go for this with a lack of viable information from the School District. Why the subterfuge?

During the question and answer period at the end of the presentation, when asked if they would follow other school districts proposals that seemed more economically feasible should this not pass, the speaker was routinely dismissed with the requisite, “We’re not there yet,” or “We’ll see what we have to do after the vote.” They were very careful not to say, “Should the bond vote fail.”

The New York State Taxpayer Alliance, along with others, has been making robo calls to inform the taxpaying public about this referendum bond vote proposal. Should it pass, according to the robo call voice, it could add $1,000 per year to your school tax bill for 30 years! Another robo call stated that the loss of the acres and acres of trees will impact our quality of life. It seems there is something for everyone to be upset about with this proposal: cost, increased traffic, environment and more. Many have voiced their opinions about this proposal. Here's two sample emails we have received about this proposal.

Thank you for taking the time to research the proposed Greenburgh School Bond.  

The many projects in Greenburgh, especially on and around Hartsdale Ave are out of control, especially considering that people outside of our Town are proposing to spend our money!  

The School District proposal is the worst, especially for those of us on fixed incomes.

...How will these projects affect their pocketbooks?

We should be making our own decisions without the help of others without skin in the game.

- Joe

Hello!
Thank you so much for the NO VOTE flyer on the proposed Greenburgh School Bond.  My husband and I were very upset when we first learned about the proposal in a newsletter from Paul Finer [sic] on about page 4. Then when we read the School Board’s proposal we were astonished at the dis-information and unprofessional and inadequate development plan (I use those words loosely). The School  Board’s utter disregard of the impact on the community is astounding.  The qualifications of those proposing such a plan should be grounds for their removal. We absolutely plan to vote NO.

If the proposal is approved, we plan to move. We live in Poet’s Corner and we already have a difficult time getting in or out of our area.

We had no idea of your organization and are so happy to know you are out there to protect Greenburgh.  It is obvious that our Town has no Master Development Plan  

Thank you for your diligence on our behalf. 

These emails are just two of the many comments we have received during this back and forth over this proposal. After several meetings, a redesigned website and repeated questions, residents are still no closer to having tangible facts from the School Board to help them make a decision. ABG and others have provided information by doing our due diligence utilizing the NYS Board of Education website, newspaper and magazine articles and the School Board's own website. It shouldn’t have to be this difficult for taxpayers to get answers and information. 

Once this bond is defeated, we all need to take a breath and then sit down in earnest and try to come up with a long range, cost-effective plan that can accomplish what is needed for the schools without crippling the School District’s taxpayers, benefits the children and ultimately enhances our community. So far, that does not seem to have been the goal. But a goal such as this should have been the final destination from the beginning. It is the only way to get A Better Greenburgh School District.