What I don't understand

If anyone was at the BOE meeting on Tuesday, you might recall one of the Board members stating (and my quote might not be 100% accurate) that the BOE needs to put items on the budget that will get it to pass. To me, that means they believe that sports and music programs will get people to the polls to vote Yes. That is not what should happen. The budget should reflect the needs of the PUBLIC school. While music, athletics, and extra-curricular activities are VERY valuable, they can not come at the expense of children's academics. I am not angry with the BOE, I do not consider myself uninvolved. I believe that Mr. Scavo's reasoning for not accepting the budget is 100% accurate - I am shocked that more of the Board members do not agree with him. If the reasoning behind the budget is simply to put items on it that will pass, then why should we vote for it, when it clearly does not reflect even what the BOE would prefer to see on it. I do not believe that those of us who are planning on voting NO are sacrificing the future of Sachem. On the contrary, like Scavo and Duncan we are willing to have our voices heard amidst the fear of everyone else. It is never in the best interest of society to act on fear, but rather to stand and face it for what is right. Do you not think the men in Boston on December 16,1773 looked fear in the face and were frightened about how Britain would respond? I say, like them, like Scavo and Duncan, we do the same. ACADEMICS BEFORE ATHLETICS! If you agree with this statement, then don't be afraid of what lies ahead, you know what must be done!