The Eldred Central School District’s (ECS) proposal to add $5.5 million in new debt and tax increases is over the top. The proposal includes spending for enhanced athletic facilities for a School District that is struggling to survive financially as symbolized by the included spending for the deferred maintenance items at both facilities.

Although I may be the most knowledgeable member of the community as to school finance in general and this school district in particular, you do not have to take my word for it. The recently released results of the New York State Comptroller’s office audit pretty much sum up the financial condition of ECS, as it also stresses the board’s responsibility “for the general management and control of the district’s financial and educational affairs including developing, monitoring and controlling the budget.”

The audit’s exact words: “District officials have not effectively managed financial condition in the general fund or in the school food service fund.” The key recommendation: “the board and administration will need to identify means to replace fund balance, reduce expenditures to within the district’s available revenues or continue to increase the tax levy.”

The unanimous vote by this board to put up this proposal proves to me that this board is not fit to manage a $16 million budget or the educational future of our children. Please vote “no” and let’s try to fix it.

Paul A. Clark Jr.

Barryville, NY