Teachers Make An Exit - Together

By Pat Biancaniello

Union President Rich ForzanoOne minute they were there filling almost every seat in Smithtown High School West’s auditorium.  One speaker, teacher union president, Rich Forzano, addressed the Board of Education and then they were gone in an amazing display of unity.  If they had stayed a while longer they might have heard the alumni who spoke eloquently about the quality education they received while students in the Smithtown School District.  But they didn’t stay.  If they had stayed, they might have heard the parents who spoke about the commitment and dedication they have seen from teachers in the school district.  But they didn’t stay.  And if they had stayed, they may have heard the taxpayers who spoke about the dilemma they were experiencing, no longer able to afford the taxes and yet desperately clinging to a belief in quality education for their children.  But many of the teachers didn’t get to hear any of it because after their spokesperson addressed the Board they stood up and walked out en masse. 

Rich Forzano, in a brief conversation before the meeting, said there were people on the Board who have been misrepresenting the Union’s positions.  “Smithtown teacher’s have been working without a contract and currently there are no negotiations.  We want negotiations to begin and we want to negotiate in good faith.”  “Governor Cuomo’s education budget cuts are a horrible recipe for the devastation of education.  Long Island has taken a disproportionate hit in the education cuts.” In his speech before the Board, Forzano stated that the teachers are willing to work with the board “The negotiations have never been about the unwillingness of the Smithtown Teachers Association to recognize the time in which we live.”

The audience watched as many of the teachers exited the auditorium leaving 24 people waiting to speak in the audience participation part of the meeting. Many people who addressed the board expressed frustration and some anger at the teachers for leaving.  Most expressed concern for the message the students who were present received by teachers walking out of the meeting.  The students were lined along the walls of the auditorium standing beneath wall banners bearing the words commitment, scholarship and leadership. 

Before the meeting I spoke with three high school students responsible for organizing the students Erin Fitzpatrick, Briana Kearney and Madiha Saeed.  They told me they were there to listen, learn and show support for art teachers Mr. Halem and Mrs. Breslin.   “We have heard that there will be cuts to AP Art and we want the Board of Education to know that art is not a lesser part of the school. As important as math is to some students that’s how important art classes are to students who are planning their careers around the arts.”

Not much was resolved at the Board Meeting Tuesday night there appears to be an $11.2 million budget shortfall.  Speaker after speaker urged the board and teachers to work together and maintain the focus on a sustainable plan for the quality education Smithtown has always provided.