Revisions to Nyack School Budget Call for Reinstatement of Instructional Positions

The latest revisions to the call for the reinstatement of several teaching and teaching assistant positions .

This announcement was made by the Nyack School District's Interim Superintendent Jason Friedman at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting at Nyack Middle School.

Friedman said the need to cut costs has forced administrators to make some difficult and seemingly unpopular choices. Among them was the decision to slash roughly 50 instructional staff positions throughout the district’s schools. This unsettling information was first presented to the public March 15 and, since then, there has been a in which educators, parents and concerned residents have called on the administration to do whatever is necessary to prevent such action from happening.

Recently, there have been some positive developments. Thanks to more than $400,000 in federal government grants designed to save teaching jobs, administrators have been able to keep a number of jobs from the chopping block. Ten such positions were revealed last evening and include three elementary school teachers, six elementary school teaching assistants and the position of Family Resource Center Coordinator.

This news was of some consolation to the vocal group in attendance Tuesday evening, but many think greater action can and should be taken. The meeting’s guests were steadfast in their belief teachers and classroom personnel are the most important part of a child’s education.

Some of those sharing their views during a lengthy public participation session thought the Board should consider examining other ways to cut expenses and raise revenue. Suggestions included the elimination of busing for summer school students, asking school principals to accept salary reductions, the abolishment of an assistant superintendent position and an increase in school taxes.

However, the majority who let their feelings be known gave heartfelt testimony describing the value educators possess in assisting in the development of young people. Speakers—from former principals to single parents—relayed countless stories of how educators within the Nyack school district have positively impacted a child’s life.

“If you remove those who care for and nurture our children, I don’t know what will happen,” former Valley Cottage Elementary School Principal Brenda Grier told the Board. “I am asking you to look over this budget and realize what our needs truly are and how your decisions impact the lives of children.”

“Our teachers and teaching assistants are committed to our children,” said Lisa Retallack, family resource coordinator at Nyack Middle School and the mother of four children who attended Nyack schools.

Board Trustee Claudette Jimerson called on her colleagues to reconsider proposed budget cuts. She called cuts to educational personnel disconcerting and is hoping budgetary amendments can be made in other areas.

Trustee Thomas LaColla said he shared Jimerson’s sentiments.

School Board Vice President Michael Mark said he and his colleagues are doing their best to be as responsive to what the public is saying as possible and looks forward to continuing the discussion.

“We know how important the decisions we make are,” said Board Trustee Don Hammond. “All of you are major donors to our schools and community. While we may not be able to do all you ask, we will do all that we can.”

A budget is scheduled to be adopted April 12.