Residents React to NHP-GCP 2012 Budget Presentation

Residents of the expressed their appreciation that the board of education retained its full slate of education programs, specifically the math enrichment, odyssey and music programs, during a recent budget hearing at the .

“We’ve been honored to have many students participate in the math enrichment and odyssey programs,” resident Patrick Farrell said, adding of the students that “the programs have many benefits... (it) gives them a better foundation in preparing them for further advanced placement classes in high school.”

Farrell also pointed out that the programs help the district with Governor Cuomo’s new evaluation, time management and communication skills. “I believe these programs also help the NHP-GCP School District’s ranking overall and proves that we put education first. I want to thank the administration, the staff, the board of education, all the volunteers and especially the parents for their continued hard work in keeping NHP-GCP School District a great place to educate our children and also for being fiscally responsible in these very tough times,” he said.

In a series of budget input sessions held around the district, residents had overwhelmingly expressed to the NHP-GCP Board of Education that they did not want to see any cuts to school programs, particularly the enrichment programs for gifted students or for music and the arts.

Sandra Khan, a mother of two students, one of which is in the odyssey and math enrichment and also a fourth grade teacher, remarked that “by providing enrichment and acceleration experiences for the advanced learners we’re providing them what they need, not just unnecessary education.”

Explaining that she often has to slow down to repeat the lesson for special needs children in her class, she said that students in NHP-GCP “deserve an opportunity to explore a curriculum that is specifically designed for their needs just like special education programs are specifically designed for struggling learners. I hope that we continue to allow all children to get the education they deserve so they will ultimately benefit the society they will live in.”

Her husband, Terry Khan spoke about the the benefits the district could reap in terms of collegiate rankings by continuing such a program, saying that “academic enrichment programs don’t only benefit the students that participate in those programs but there’s substantial evidence that proves these programs benefit the community as a whole. It would be incredibly foolish to think that these programs are ‘elite’ programs that only benefit the students that participate in them.”

A at the March 12 meeting stated that if the 2012-13 district budget were to be passed. A total of about $300,000 more in reductions have to be made in order to reach the tax levy cap set by the state formula.

“It is very important to have all these programs because I feel that every kid can amount to something through something,” resident Elise O’Connor said. “To lose a program like music, odyssey, I think we’re doing wrong by our children for $80 a year. Work one overtime shift and call it a day. My kids are younger but I look forward to hopefully continuing with all the benefits that New Hyde Park offers.”