Superintendent of Schools Phil Steinberg and Assistant Superintendents Deborha Brush and Joan Carbone provided a brief presentation of the budget situation and laid out some alternative budgets, varying from one with 0 percent tax increases and a massive $8.28 million in cuts, to one that asks for a tax increase of 18.1 percent and maintains the current number of teachers and activities.

Then the public lined up to have their say, and, this being Pine Bush, there were a lot of smart kids and parents. And while there were some overlong laments about the situation, there were also some good ideas.

Charles Carnes, Supervisor of the Town of Crawford, got things started in a forthright manner. "I urge the school district to carefully consider these cuts in extra curricular activities. I am fully aware of the burden on taxpayers. We need to think out of the box and be creative." Carnes also pledged the assistance of the Town of Crawford to working with the district.

Carnes was followed by Deputy Supervisor Dan Flanick, who said, "We should consider charging for parking at the school. Parents may have to pay for sports, and we'll have to find ways to help those who can't afford it. All these cuts are going to do is pass the buck. Kids won't have anything to do after school, and the police will be doing a lot more with the children. I urge the district to reconsider the cuts to sports and extra-curricular activities."

Harold Baird, Supervisor of the Town of Mamakating, was next, and he too pledged to provide any assistance he could.

Several parents asked Steinberg for specific financial numbers relating to the costs. He explained that cutting back kindergarten to a half day would save $700,000, while cuts to the fifth grade band program would save $150,000.

Asked to put a number on sports, he said the varsity sports program cost $1 million, with the JV and modified teams coming in at $300,000.

Several students spoke up on behalf of the music program. Judy Sweet and Jacob Barkman, in particular, made points concerning the value of the jazz band and music in general.

Kiersten Drossel, a parent, spoke up on behalf of Odyssey of the Mind. "I would volunteer to coach Odyssey. The parents of the district know how important Odyssey is."

Her comment was echoed by several other speakers, who said they and others would volunteer to coach. However, when asked directly, Steinberg explained, "Every club has an advisor that is covered by our collective bargaining agreement with the Teachers' Association.

Many parents made this key point: "We moved here because of this school district. People won't keep coming here if the schools are mediocre."

And while sentiment in the room was clearly weighted towards paying higher taxes and keeping activities and staff, several speakers did address the other side of the ledger.

Michael Keene mentioned alternative fuels. "We should move to use of bio-fuels. It's possible to save $400 per 1,000 gallons that way."

He also made the point that "an 18 percent tax increase could lead to empty, foreclosed homes and businesses."

Dr. Teisch, a resident of Mamakating, observed that he had seen his taxes soar in the last decade. But he made the point that, "We need to attack the source of the problem. Albany is just two hours away. We need to reach out to other districts and combine with them and organize a major protest in Albany. We have to get their attention."

Superintendent Steinberg agreed with that proposition. "I'm planning on going to Albany on the twenty-fourth. We have a plan to get a couple of kids on TV, and lobby state legislators."

Inevitably the topic of staffing and staffing cuts came up.

Darlene Rosario put it like this: "The budget increased from $60 million in 2000 to $100 million now. What is the cause of that increase in costs?"

Steinberg replied that, "Salaries have gone up, staffing has gone up, and programs increased. But enrollment has gone down recently. And so we are over-staffed. We cut 29 positions last year. The only way to cut $5 million from the budget this year — without major tax increases — is to cut 75 or more positions at all levels."

In response to another question, Steinberg added, "Unemployment insurance costs increased this year. There are a lot of costs in laying people off."

More budget forums will be held in March, at the north end of the district. The entire proposed budget can be viewed on the District's web site: www.pinebushschools.org.