Sound Off: Weekly Recap

Here's the scoop on a couple items that got the Sachem community invested in our coverage. Click on the hyperlink to view the story again, and feel free to keep the comment chain going.

Talk Back: Are Sachem Schools Safe?

In the wake of the horrific mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Conn., many Sachem residents started to think about the safety of the district's schools right here at home. We asked in a poll if tighter security is needed at Sachem. According to our poll, 75% of you believe tighter security is indeed needed, while 25% said it's not. From our comment chain:

From Linda: "When my children where attending Gatelot, Nokomis, Wenonoh ,and Chippewa elementrary schools in sachem, I felt there should of been tighter security in those schools. Durning the summer school program for special ed anyone could just walk in. Action should be taken ASAP."

From Russ: "Current precautions are NOT ENOUGH. It's time to step it up. Lets not be complacent on this issue. As a parent I demand more to be done immediately!!!!!"

From James Zeitler via Facebook: "i got picked up from the nurse today by my grandma.. they checked her ID at the entrance and checked it in the nurses office."

From Darlene: "Everytime I go to North kids are walking right out past security no questions ask.For a closed campus there are sure alot of kids hanging around outside the area.My kids even see past graduates walking in no questions ask.Maybe that door thats unlocked were they all leave should be locked."

Sachem BOE Unveils First Draft of 2013-14 Budget

At Wednesday's Board of Education meeting, Associate Superintendent Bruce Singer unveiled a first draft of next year's budget and there are some difficult decisions to make down the road. If the budget were to pass as is, without the tax cap enforcement, it would mean a 13.9% increase in taxes. With the tax cap enforcement, it would mean a 3.47% increase in taxes, and the loss of certain services, such as full-day kindergarten. The story sparked some passionate comments on our Facebook page.

From Matt Schiller: "Same thing every year! They threaten to cut the things we love so everybody votes yes. Vote no and see what happens, they will find the money. Why can't they cut stuff no one cares about."

From John Mankowich: "Same lies as last year...Cut in Athletics...HA!!!!!! Patch and the "Sachem Report" will have nothing to talk about. Raise class sizes....my sons Social Studies Honors class has 35 kids, but they promised everyone no rise in class sizes if they voted yes to go over the tax cap. Fool us once...."

From Patricia Marchese Armine: "i have one silly queastion, Where s the Lottery money ? they brag every week that its millions , I thought that was to help out the schools? and maybe that money should go to boost up security, But to raise pensions i will b voteing NO this year .My taxes have gone up enough thank you"

Further discussions on the upcoming budget vote are scheduled for the next general meeting in January.