Don Kerr's Letter to the Editor 11/12/09: Get the answers from the source

Fear is a powerful motivator. Dick Cheney perfected the art of using unsupported "facts" to scare us into action or anger. When confronted over the tactic, the Cheney playbook went into offense. Their response was variations of: "Why do you hate America?"

Cynical strategies have recently played out from one seat behind the table during Board of Education discussion of the New Paltz Middle School (NPMS). The public has been scared by unchecked "facts" -- wrong by 400-500% -- in the presence of the school district's business manager (who could have corrected the info, if asked).

If, for example, the total debt of NPCSD is actually one quarter of the number presented to the public from the table by a seated trustee, that is a problem. If the current debt on NPMS is said to be almost six times larger than it actually is, the public is misinformed and fear follows.

When confronted with the frustration of fellow board members about inaccurate financial reporting resulting in fear, the response appears audacious -- even when measured on the Cheney-meter. The school board, including a recently elected Latino member, has been advised to attend a course entitled "Undoing Racism."

Will our war records and swift boats be next? Our community has serious decisions before us regarding the middle school. It is important that the foundation for these decisions are based on good arithmetic.

Over recent weeks, this page has been filled with excellent questions and concerns about the proposed renovation of the New Paltz Middle School. The school board has noticed and taken notes. Responses to questions raised by the public will be offered at public forums listed below. One thing is clear: people are scared and want more and accurate information.

Get the answers from the source at one of four forums scheduled to respond to community questions: Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Duzine; Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Lenape; Dec. 1, 7 p.m., high school; Dec. 9, 7 p.m., middle school

Don Kerr
New Paltz

Note: This letter is written from the individual perspective of the BOE Facilities Committee Chair and does not represent a statement from the school board.