Compiled by Abi Wood

GALWAY– 272 community members signed the online petition which states the school tax should be increased to 10%. Many of these community members wrote comments when they signed the petition which can be found with the petition.

Here is the link to the survey: http://signon.org/sign/save-galways-school-build?source=c.url&r_by=2570296

Here are some of the opinions of Galway community members.

Connie Wood – “We must do what is necessary to provide an adequate educational foundation for Galway’s youth. Our democracy and our future way of life depend upon an educated populace. A strong school system is the backbone of a thriving community.”

Christine Riccio – Keep academics, music & sports for our students… and RAISE my taxes! Would somebody please help others understand that raising taxes a few bucks is a lot cheaper in the long run than never-ending fundraising … not to mention the costs incurred if our children don’t get the proper prep for their future!!

Craig Jones – I have no problem paying more to keep education and sports programs which the kids need. I do have a problem with the salary / benefits for teachers and administration. They need to be balanced to what a comparable private enterprise job would receive.

Tammy Ceroalo – We need to write a teachers contract that the school district can afford, not write one, then expect the “kids of Galway pay” or held hostage until their parents “pay up”. In this economy everyone must give their share, All of our teachers do not live in our district so they should realize it is happening all over NOT just here. Speak up teachers don’t let your union only help a few of you, spread the wealth.

Farial English – We need to begin reinvesting in our students and to develop a realistic vision for the future of this district. I am willing to pay higher taxes but only when I’m convinced that the higher revenues will be dedicated to expanding and improving the educational opportunities available to our students. The board must do its best to bring the cost curve in line with incoming revenue otherwise our long term options will include ever higher taxes, gutted programming or hoping for a miracle. I cannot support any proposition that once again seeks to balance the budget on the backs of our students.

Marissa Hanna – How does the school expect the graduates to be successful in college if they aren’t allowed to challenge themselves? And furthermore, electives help high-school students find a path they enjoy and want to continue on. This is where the experimenting goes so they are prepared for college. How could you even think to take that away? I’m disgusted in my hometown. That’s not something to be proud of Galway.

Jamie Uline – Galway School District should be ashamed of themselves to even consider some of the cuts they are talking about.

Joseph Monty  – Galway NEEDS to straighten things out. Galway NEEDS it’s extracurricular activities and it’s higher level classes. Without those things, students will not want to go here anymore. Galway, from what I remember, always used to go above and beyond the other surrounding schools. When my family moved in the area, we were the 10th rated school in the state academic wise. Without the things to put our students above the other schools, or even keep them on the same levels, how are they supposed to succeed in the future? Without sports, how can students stay active and get attention from colleges to play? Without higher level classes, what gets our students ready for college? Without arts and music, what gives our school culture?

Jeanine Flinton – I personally would support a tax increase of 10% or more, but I feel that it would be more feasible for some of residents to handle a 5%- 6% tax increase.

nrgriffin  – As both a parent to four Galway grads and as a taxpayer, the rural GCSD is indeed a very special place and I feel is not getting a fair shake from Cuomo & the Legislature in receiving the necessary state aid in order to support quality programming for our students.

Orville Curtiss – I’m not in favor of increased taxes, but in this case, I’ll make an exception. Let’s just do what’s right for the kids.

Leland Bramer – I’ve been saying this for years. Other school districts have been cutting things and STILL have a 10% tax levy. Employees of the school district need to make concessions as does everyone in order to preserve our school.

Kathleen Miller – With the proposed tax increase, we should be able to restore chemistry (which is needed to go to any pre-med, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy and engineering programs) and music and athletics (which will help reduce obesity-related problems and is what the students really want restored). I’ve had several students tell me that they are asking their parents to let them go elsewhere (or straight to community college).

Allan Barkley – Galway never had extras. What’s being cut now is to the bone. Graduates will have trouble competing with their peers from other schools who will have the advantage of more AP courses and electives.

Richard English – My support for a higher tax rate is contingent on two things. First, the Board of Education must eliminate the structural deficit caused by salary/benefit costs that are out of line with our community’s ability to pay them. Second, the Board and the Administration must implement the quality improvement recommendations proposed recently by the Academic Stakeholder Council. Without these two key elements, a tax increase will be, at best, a temporary solution to our current fiscal problem.

What are your concerns as a Galway student or community member? Please leave your comment below…