Roxane Douvos, Pennington
To the editor:
In response to Jeff Bartolino’s attempt to obfuscate the unquestionably inappropriate way in which the Board of Education went about eliminating the strings program, I offer some simple, irrefutable facts. The reduction in strings was never “clearly listed as a budget highlight.” The reduction of the music staff by one person was listed. I never studied Chicago Math, but, no matter how I look at that equation, the reduction in staff by one member does not add up to the elimination of an entire program for two whole grades across the district. In response to public outcry, the elected officials — whose responsibility it is to answer to the public — could have taken steps to cover the strings class with the current staff. Since our fine teachers are in their second year without a contract, it is to no one’s surprise that the board did not even vet that option.
Those of us who sat through most of the board’s budget meetings into the wee hours of the morning attempting to force discussion of the strings issue were never granted the courtesy of a simple discussion. In fact, during the first post-budget meeting, the newly elected officials, James Wulf and Aaron Tellier, along with Ed Gainsborg attempted to initiate a discussion of options and possibilities for recouping the strings program. Nearing 1 a.m., the board voted 3-6 against having that discussion. Needless to say, failing to host that discussion reflects negatively on the majority of the board.
Notably, the only option many children had to continue in strings — the before- or after-school program promised by the board and superintendent — does not exist this year. Children in the second and third grades who wish to keep up with playing the violin have no option in the schools.
As for the expansion of science teaching time, our teachers, who did teach the full science curriculum last year, have been given no expanded curriculum or guidance on filling the extra period of science per week. So, it is likely that our children actually will not be learning more science this year.
To Mr. Bartolino and the board, you should note as these letters continue that the parents opposing your methods will remind the public as elections happen that your efforts have been outright duplicitous. You may find a way to bend your own board policies to suit your rhetoric, but the public will not be fooled. As a parent, I teach my children that rules cannot be bent to suit their needs. If you really want to do the right thing, offer the public a true hearing on the strings program. At the very least, offer the children the in-school options you promised. We’re waiting.
