What an Eye-opener!

A funny thing happened at the Smithtown Board of Education meeting on the evening of March 22, 2011. I encountered a swarm of “black shirted- button wearing” drones representing the Teachers. After gathering and organizing outside the school building they obediently marched in and were told by their organizers were to sit.

After the Board’s business was completed; the Supervisor gave the state of the District’s financial health. He showed how the District’s costs for Salaries, Pensions and Employee Benefits have gotten out of control over the past ten years. From my standpoint, and some others in the audience the situation is dire.

When this phase of the meeting was completed, the Board opened the session for Public debate. The first to speak was the head of the local Teacher’s Union. He proceeded to tell the public how the Union had offered to compromise with the Board, but the Board had refused their offers. Of course no mention was made as to what the Unions offered to comprise.

I should also mention the crowds of students who were present in the auditorium holding signs in support of various programs that might be in danger of being cut. I wondered how many parents counseled their children on the true nature of the situation.

After the Union boss had completed his speech, the next speaker approached the podium and an amazing thing happened; in one of the rudest and unprofessional actions I have ever seen, all the drones got up and walked out of the meeting. Apparently not wanting to hear what some of the Taxpayers had to say.

After the Taxpayers had their say, another group, including some Smithtown Graduates, spoke in support of the Business Curriculum. They went on to inform the public what a great benefit it was to them and what they had accomplished since their graduation. While listening, I wondered how many had to go to the private learning centers in order to boost the SAT scores like my Grandson had to do.

All in all, it gave me a wonderful insight into the Professionals who are teaching our children.

Frank