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Dear Bellmore Herald and Bellmore/Merrick Residents,

I would like to clarify a few things said about me in last week's article about turf fields. The article stated that I am against installing turf fields. This is not true. I concluded my statement by saying, "I am not against turf and bleachers, I just think we need to look at everything." Earlier in my speech, I had said, "I am all for spending more money on bleachers and turf fields if we support other areas." My speech's point was to highlight that there are many things that need to be improved in the district. If we choose to put additional money into athletics, we must, at the same time, put money into all of the other areas that make up the total school program and need to be updated. These improvements must be prioritized by the Board of Education and district officials. A few of the pro-turf field parents who spoke before me mentioned that they are also in favor of fixing everything, not just athletic-related problems. I was glad to hear that. I believe in doing whatever the elected Board of Education and administrative professionals think is best. I did not speak to completely oppose turf fields, but rather to make sure that the decision to install them would be an informed one that was not just based on one group's comments, especially because there are so many different groups each with their own interests. I am not in favor of doing nothing; I am in favor of spending wisely and fixing the most important things first. Even if nothing is improved in the district except for the fields, I will support that decision as long as the Board decides that installing turf fields is its top priority and must be done to enhance the total school program. I thank the Herald for reporting on what I said.

Sincerely,

Ross Shulman

From: Dozens demand artificial-turf fields during Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District meeting

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