LEW-PORT: Students, teachers defend programs

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March 17, 2010

Superintendent says proposed cuts were hypothetical

By Nick Mattera Niagara Gazette The Niagara Gazette Wed Mar 17, 2010, 02:59 PM EDT

Lewiston — A parent defending Advanced Placement classes, young musicians telling the school board of their love for the trumpet and a high school principal recognizing hard-working students and the best graduation rate in Niagara County, all brought resounding applause to the crowd of more than 95 teachers, parents and taxpayers at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Lewiston-Porter school board.

A standing-room-only crowd lined the walls, showing support for programs that could be lost as the district works to eliminate a proposed $1.8 million budget deficit.

“A quality rigorous education is the strength of a community,” said Robert Minicucci, who spoke to the board in defense of AP classes. “It not only supports our youth, our future, but I look at it as a draw to bring other people to live in our area. Families who may be considering Western New York, I would love for them to consider Lewiston-Porter.”

Minicucci has three children in the district and believes AP classes have a direct relation to college acceptance.

Four middle school students told the board that band is not a non-mandated program, it is a class that they have learned to love.

A concerned parent, who teaches in another school district said her two children have participated in numerous extra-curricular programs and said there importance are what drove her family to live in the area.

“If we go forward (with the proposed elimination of programs), do we really think the children of this district will be recruited to ivy league schools,” she asked the board. “Do you really think I would have chosen this district to live in?”

Superintendent Christopher Roser apologized to parents and staff members saying budget discussions and proposed cuts were hypothetical, and it was never proposed all of those programs would be cut.

“It was basically to say it’s not going to be an easy road for us to go through,” Roser said. “The board is relying on us administratively to give them an idea how much a program or teacher costs to the district.”

Roser said he and the board will work diligently to piece together the cuts and see what fits best for the district.

“It won’t be easy,” Roser said.

In other business, the board appointed a new representative to the BOCES board of education to replace outgoing member Edward Lilly.

Board member Robert Weller motioned to keep Lilly on the board citing his experience. The motion was defeated in a 2-4 vote with Ed Waller being the other yes vote. Weller then recommended Board Member Wendy Swearingen be appointed to the BOCES board and it was approved 4-2.

Following discussion, the Cost Control Referendum was unanimously approved by the board 6-0 and will be voted upon by the public at the May 18 elections.

The referendum authorizes the school board to call a special district meeting and hold an advisory referendum vote whenever a contract between the district and an employee union or the superintendent results in an increase in cost greater than $100,000.

Board member Michael Gentile harshly criticized the referendum questioning if it is lawful and calling the public’s vote “non-binding.”

“I have never supported that, philosophically I don’t agree with it, but I’ll tell you what I’m going to do, I’m going to vote for it,” he said.

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