Item #18

Response to 11/13/01 Letter to Editor

On Closter school expansion

Regarding Ralph Armenta's letter "On Closter school expansion" (Your Views, Nov. 13):

For the past two years, Closter's Board of Education has been trying to find a solution to the problem of its district's overcrowded facilities. A plan to expand and renovate the Hillside and Tenakill schools was twice defeated (albeit by slim margins) at the polls.

Undaunted and determined to resolve this issue, we enlisted the assistance of our residents. A Facilities Investigation Committee, representing a cross-section of our community was formed. This diverse group of dedicated individuals met at least once a week during the summer of 2001 and ended its investigation about Oct. 1. A formal presentation was made to the board on Nov. 5.

The committee concurred with the board's earlier finding that there was definitely a need for additional space. However, the committee members were evenly divided on two options: additions and renovations at the Hillside and Tenakill schools, and acquisition and restoration of the former Village School.

Neither Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Feifer nor the school board members participated in the committee meetings. We in no way, either overtly or covertly, attempted to influence the results of these meetings, as was alleged by Armenta in his letter. On the contrary, all official committee requests for information were honored in a timely and responsible manner.

Armenta was an active and outspoken participant at these meetings. When it became apparent that the Village School option would not have the support of the majority of the committee members and would therefore not be the preferred option, unsubstantiated, irresponsible allegations of "bias, extreme resistance, and belittlement from the board, dismissal without merit" were made. Armenta has yet to offer any convincing evidence or proof to support these statements.

Sadly, Armenta's letter is replete with distortions, innuendo, and half-truths. It diminishes the authority of the board and widens community division. Further, the board would be derelict in its duty to provide a "thorough and efficient" education for the district's schoolchildren if the trustees were to allow the overcrowding to continue unabated, as suggested by Armenta.

Bibi Hameed, Closter, Nov. 14
The writer is president of the Closter Board of Education.

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