Bennett: Raises to administrators means less for the students in MSD

Dear Editor,

It is indeed a sad day when school board members resort to intimidation and attempts to openly force another school board member to vote to approve already irresponsibly high salaries that continue to break the backs of Massapequa residents. As I have been saying for years, this gluttony will not end until the voters stop supporting the board trustees who are at the core of the problem.

Superintendent Sulc continues to use the childish excuse that all other districts pay similar salaries, and that Massapequa is in the median range. He conveniently leaves out that here in Massapequa we have twice as many administrators as any other school district in the entire state of New York, including massive New York City.

As you may recall, I wrote in another letter in this newspaper that with the May 20, 2008 election being challenged by me, a challenge that I am confident I will win, that the administrators would rush to get their contract approved by a Board that did everything to ensure a one-vote margin of victory, with no opportunity for a recount. Is it offensive that our administrators continue to fill their pockets first, with 4 percent to 8.1 percent raises plus additional benefits on top of salaries ranging from $80,000 to more than $200,000, while handing out meager raises for custodians, food handlers, clerical workers and nurses who also have to live here on Long Island and make so much less.

We can all go on with blissful belief that the Schools are run with commitment, compassion and responsibility, but the facts show anything but that. Will the average Massapequa resident react and get a handle on what is happening here only when their child is denied important programs and extra curricular activities? When the District hires a public relations firm, complete with a spokesperson to run interference for the administration and the board, further abusing your money, that says it all.

It is the responsibility of the voters to stand up and rid this plagued school district of trustees and administrators who now seem to be moving toward a new form of governing that is certainly not a Democracy. Good for you, Trustee Tim Taylor. Keep up the good work and continue to be the will of the people.

Gary T. Bennett. Massapequa

The writer ran for the school board in May 2008 and lost by one vote. He has an appeal pending before the New York State Commissioner of Education.