I am sympathetic to the desperate need for funding of programs and services for our public school students. But I am reluctant to sympathize with the position taken by Angela Nagle, East Greenbush schools superintendent.
In the article, "Schools lose out on $33M," Feb. 20, Ms. Nagle argues her district "consolidated staff positions and saved money on benefits and salary" and still was not awarded a management efficiency grant. Perhaps the issue is a matter of semantics and spin.
I live in East Greenbush; my children attend East Greenbush schools. Since Gov. Andrew Cuomo took office, his mantra for education efficiency and consolidation has been consistent. I have witnessed programs, classes and personnel routinely slashed with each subsequent school budget.
But what about our management team of several superintendents, and various other administrators in the district, earning salaries deep into the six-figure range?
Not a single cut, nor a hint of consolidation. While teachers and classes were cut in each of the past three budgets, another district administrator, earning a six-figure salary, was hired.
I guess management efficiency and consolidation excludes the management positions in my school district where personnel are cut who are directly related to educational opportunities for our children.
Superintendent Nagle complains of a lack of equity in Gov. Cuomo's awarding of grant money.
Perhaps it is time to step back and understand some of the "common core" basics of Grant Writing 101: Make sure you are clear on the intent and definitions of the funding source. Obviously, Gov. Cuomo has a different definition of "management efficiency" than Superintendent Nagle.
GREGG WEINLEIN
East Greenbush