Letters to the editor for the week of Feb. 16, 2012

HTA president asks for support from community

Editor, The Sun

One of the hallmarks that for generations has characterized the Hamburg Central School District has been its ability to educate the students that pass through its doors while providing an educative experience (for all) at the highest level of interest.

The term “perfect storm” has become a bit cliche for all manners of mayhem and yet, as a starting point for this conversation with you it is an apt descriptor.

Our district, like many others throughout New York State, is faced with unprecedented challenges; a tax cap of 2 percent on property tax, reduction of state aid to education, elimination of federal (ARRA) monies, increased mandates to comply with state and federal education laws (without the necessary assets to enable proper implementation) and, specific to Hamburg, a less than desirable fund balance (reserve monies) that are the result of multiple years of underfunding. These budgets were supposed to properly provide adequate resources in order for Hamburg’s youth to be best prepared to meet the challenges of their futures. Sadly, that has not been the case – resulting in “tapping the reserves” to cover the cost of doing business. One can also add to the above list a declining enrollment projection.

Therefore, the district appears to be at a watershed moment that will likely change the nature of the classroom experiences (of students and teachers alike), the availability of the wide variety of extracurricular activities, sports, transportation, etc.

One of the ironies of the predicament is that the Hamburg District, in concert with its dedicated teachers, aids and maintenance people, clerical staff and other professionals have consistently performed, beyond NYSED standard, at the highest levels while also being one of the most cost-efficient districts in Western New York.

With the above back-drop, the considerations for the 2012-13 school budget are in full swing and the proposals to address the district’s budget deficit have been many. The centerpiece continues to be: reduce the work force – across the board (while simultaneously increasing class size – across the board).

The opportunity to relate with and educate each student, the expectation that every parent has for their daughter or son (which is to be valued and appreciated for their own unique abilities, talents, personalities, etc.), the ability to effectively role model moralizing behaviors (including discipline) are about to be further diluted.

Research has clearly indicated that optimal learning occurs in smaller class sizes because teachers are able to customize instruction, identifying strengths and weaknesses early on and establish connections with students that create those “magical moments” of “Aha”.

The proposals to further increase class sizes are real and impacts will be both short and long-term for students, parents, teachers and the district as a whole.

The voices of parents and advocates for education have always been what drive the board of education to act on the behalf of the students’ needs. As a single voice representing approximately 350 professional educators in the HCSD, the HTA has endeavored to maintain the quality of education that has come to be expected in our district and have discussed with the district our belief in the quality of our educational endeavors. We are but one voice.

Many voices, forged as one can spur the district to consider alternatives (other than layoffs) to address the fiscal uncertainties being confronted.

Let your voice(s) be heard – to support the education of our children by:

1. Attending a school board meeting.

2. Attending a budget workshop.

3. Contacting the Hamburg Central School District Administration.

4. Contacting a member of the school board.

I appreciate you taking the time to read through this letter and hope you believe and support our educational imperative: students first.

Contact information for all of the above can be found on the Hamburg Central School District website, www.hamburgschools.org. The time to act is now – before the budget is set.



John Mrozek

HTA President





Village should ensure recycling is taking place

Editor, The Sun

As a product of an eco-friendly elementary school, before that was such a catch phrase, I grew up understanding that I should turn the water off while brushing my teeth, plant trees whenever possible and of course recycle. It was one of those idealistic moments in childhood that didn’t translate too well into my adulthood.

Though I still had (and have) the same values and concerns for the environment – to my dismay many others did not. Or, even when people had the best of intentions, the policies and resources required to “do the right thing” were often lacking. Fortunately, more and more communities, schools and businesses have taken the bull by the horn and created programs that make acts like recycling as seamless as possible. Even the city of Buffalo has distributed large green totes to residents.

Each week I have three recycling bins overflowing at the curb, hoping the wind doesn’t blow any of it away. Because I see recycling as a responsibility, I will continue to recycle and do my part to lessen my carbon footprint. However, if the Village of Hamburg wants to see an increase in residents’ recycling, including the skeptics, perhaps we ought to make it harder not to.



Anna Pacifico

Hamburg