Merrick PTAs call for budget support

To the Editor:

The Merrick community has always prided itself on the quality of education our children receive. Providing a sound educational foundation does not happen by chance. It takes consideration and commitment. It is an investment that will have a great return for our children and the future of our community.

We must continue to maintain the standards of excellence which all of us have come to expect and appreciate. Young families move to Merrick because of the wonderful schools. However, in the past few years, decreases in New York state aid and increases in costs have forced difficult decisions regarding educational programs and services.

After careful consideration and input from community members and parents, along with teachers and administrators, the Merrick Board of Education has adopted a budget that will help toward meeting the educational needs of our children, while being fiscally responsible. The budget supports small class sizes, full-day kindergarten and continuation of a foreign language program for grades three through six as well as many other wonderful programs.

We urge all community members to vote in support of our budget on Tuesday, May 17. The polls will be open at Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Together, we can maintain the tradition of excellence in our schools. The children of our community deserve the most solid educational foundation we can give them. A vote in support of the budget is a vote in support of our children and our community.

Lori Tanico and Sigal Negrin,

Co-Presidents, Birch PTA

Jean Petter and Heather Fisher,

Co-Presidents, Chatterton PTA

Caryn Gallitto and Jennifer Birke,

Co-Presidents, Levy-Lakeside PTA