Letter to Editor: Why BBP Board Should Be a 5-Member Body

Should the Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education have five members?

Answer:
• Jericho Public Schools
• South Side Public Schools (Rockville Centre)
• Manhasset Public Schools
• Commack Public Schools

All of the above have five Board members. We all know their outstanding ratings. But if not, open this link: Five-member boards navigate great schools-no doubt.

Other reasons?

Cost: Travel and expenses were in the thousands for a school board association event in a recent June. If the board had five members, that figure would be about half. That means more money for our kids. Of course there are administrative costs, membership dues, meals, computer hardware, software and maintenance as well. There are costs associated with each board member. Of course we’ll realize a savings. It all adds up.

Logistics: With five, it’s easier to meet, chat & reach consensus. Couldn’t it be less work if discussions and meetings move along more efficiently?

Accountability: Each member can really make a difference and they are more
accountable. This could make more people want to run.

Formalities: The smaller the group, the more comfortable people are when they speak.

This is true for public meetings and the BOE's own meetings. Residents can get to know their reps better.

There’s interest in this issue-last time it appeared the voting roster doubled. That’s great.

If this all makes sense to you, vote yes. If not, don’t. Five trustees sure make sense in some of the best schools on LI. But let’s keep our eye on the 2,500 kids and the 12,000 folks who support them. That’s the real issue.