Letter to Editor
ee
discussions about
the Middle School Reconstruction Project. As someone who works in the
Information Technology field, I have a bit of knowledge and experience
with
computers and computer networks, I would like to add some information
to the
debate.
The BOE has stated that it would be very difficult to wire the
existing
building for the technology needs that will be needed in the 21st
century.
The fist point that jumps out to me is that the 21st century is
wireless! The
second is "Hogwash!", even a wired system can be done at a reasonable
cost.
Wireless is even easier. With the use of wireless access points and
repeaters, we could have an entire floor networked in no time. Most of
this equipment
runs on standard 110v. Which brings me to electricity. Yes, more
electricity
is needed to run the network equipment. I find it hard to swallow that
it is "not possible" to provide more electric for the existing
building.
This country has built tall skyscrapers, underground water tunnels,
great
dams and nuclear power plants. We have sent people to the moon and
back. We
have 1000's of satellites circling the planet, yet the BOE is saying
we cannot
boost the power to the building? It is too old? The 1960's part of the
building is only 40+ years old. Am I to assume that any building that
old,
must be torn down in order to get more electricity into it? I highly
doubt
that this is true and I am sure there are hundreds if not thousands of
examples out there. Once again, we get back to the believability
factor. If
I can't believe you on one thing, then how many other things that you
are
telling me are wrong too? Where is the study by a reputable electric
and or
networking contractor? I would bet they could come up with an
affordable
solution for the existing building if asked to.
Finally, I would like to add a few words about the funding. We have
just seen
this week, that the Governor is proposing to cut $1 Billion from
education.
That directly affects our children. It affects programs, teachers and
athletics. This is completely separate from the project. Taxes will
need to
go up just to cover these state cuts. How much? For the next school
year,
the district could be at least $2 Million (1.2M admittedly + proposed
governor
cuts .85M) short as of this time. That is roughly a 7% increase right
there.
In addition, contrary to the BOE claims and some members "personal"
opinions,
state building aid is a legislative process that is up for review
every year.
It is not guaranteed. In fact in Rome, NY the superintendent recently
said
this: "it's not unlikely that such aid could be affected at some point
in the
future." So when that bond is taken out for $76 Million and the payee
is
listed as NEW PALTZ SCHOOL DISTRICT, that puts us the taxpayers,
responsible
for it. That is who the bond holder will be coming to for payments.
Not New
York State. Even if we get all the aid the BOE claims we will, it
still leaves
us with a nearly $50M bill. Again, the $29M figure is not truthful
anyway you
look at it.
After reading last week's letters, I see that many claim that we who
are
against the project are scare mongers, divisive or that we have some
political
agenda. As for who has an agenda, I share the following excerpt from
an email
from one board member to an acquaintance.
"We have been methodically and successfully replacing all the right-
wingers
on the board. With the election of (name withheld), we achieved a
progressive
majority and became in full control of the district's direction. We
were
giddy with anticipation."
Now tell me again, who is being ideological? Who is divisive? Who has
an
agenda?
The intent of UniteOurDistrict is not to be divisive. We are not all
of a
particular political ideology as has been claimed by someone who
obviously has
a particular political ideology. We are left, we are center, we are
right, we
are green, we are retirees, we are construction workers, we are
teachers,
lawyers, health care and technology professionals. We are trying to
make
people aware of what all the implications are for this project. We are
truthful. We have done the research. We can all agree that our
children
deserve the best education. We can agree that work needs to be done on
the
Middle School. I think we can also agree that we as a community need
to come
together and think this through before we approve a project that has
so many
flaws and is financially irresponsible. We simply disagree with this
plan and
the timing of it for many reasons.
It's not only OK to Vote NO on February 9th, it is imperative to save
our
community! Let's all unite and vote NO!