What about Hewlett-Woodmere?

To the Editor:

I have recently had the opportunity to read two items with messages from Mayor Ed Fare of the incorporated Village of Valley Stream. The items are the 2011-12 Valley Stream Almanac and Newcomer’s Guide and The Village Green, the official newsletter of the village.

One statement that attracted my attention is, “And our school system, consisting of three elementary districts that share a common central high school district, provides an excellent education for our youth.” I thought that public-school students who are residents of the incorporated village were educated by three elementary school districts numbered 13, 24 and 30, the Valley Stream Central High School District, and last but not least, District 14, Hewlett-Woodmere public schools.

I wonder if the mayor realizes that there are a significant number of children residing in the incorporated village (which includes Gibson and parts of North Woodmere) who attend District 14. They are in every way, shape and form citizens, residents and taxpayers of the village. The question I raise is whether the mayor recognizes this fact when he advertises the Mayor for a Day contest. I am active in the District 14 PTA. I have heard nothing of this contest, with its deadline in October, although I have already attended one PTA meeting, attend most District 14 school board meetings and review all minutes of board meetings.

I do know one thing. The village certainly recognizes the children and families of Gibson and North Woodmere when its sends out tax bills. I think that the children of Gibson and North Woodmere are worth more attention from their municipal government than just an annual tax bill. As a public school teacher, the mayor probably also realizes that they are in athletic competitions, theatrical productions and are active in civic affairs. They bring honor to their community. Does their village government equally honor them?

Joseph B. Margolin

Valley Stream

Grandfather of two District 14 students