Franklin Square resident Felix Procacci expressed concern with school districts’ transparency, explaining that most local residents aren’t fully aware of school issues, thus can’t make sound judgments. “Each year, the public is made aware of the tax cap and mandates by the state, but there is no mention of the Triborough Amendment,” Procacci said, referring to the amendment to the Taylor Law that prohibits public employers from altering any provision of an expired labor agreement until a new agreement is reached. He added that none of his neighbors know about the amendment.

In response, Harper agreed, saying it’s always a good idea to present more information to the public.

In regard to future anticipated costs for local school districts, Ferrie discussed the new, state-mandated Annual Professional Performance Review system, a teacher-evaluation system that will go into effect in 2012-13. He explained that the Sewanhaka district is preparing to spend up to $100,000 next year, to prepare for the new standards.

Pat Nicolosi, president of the East End Civic Association, said he thinks the new evaluation system is baseless, adding that if teachers are going to be evaluated by the state, parents should be too. “What’s happening in the home?” he said. “You have to evaluate the whole package.”

Toward the end of the meeting, Elmont resident Maria Brody said that she thinks local school districts should expand class sizes to cut costs, recounting her time as a student, when class sizes were 30 or more students. Harper disparaged Brody’s idea, explaining that special needs children would be negatively affected by large classes.

According to Ferrie and Harper, nearly a dozen budget meetings will be held throughout the community in the coming weeks.

For information on upcoming school district budget meetings, visit www.elmontschools.org or www.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us. School budget votes will be held on May 15.