During School Budget Season, Southold PTA Urges Residents To Vote

A single vote can make a difference.

That's the belief of the Southold Parent Teacher Association, which is rallying to promote voting as the school budget season unfolds.

With uncertainties regarding what cuts could be made, if any, at Southold schools for the 2013-2014 school year, the Southold PTA has a message to spread to residents.

"Regarding the budget, we don't know specifics of what, if any, cuts there will be yet," Southold PTA Vice President Erin Kaelin said. "The message the PTA really would like to get out is the importance of everyone voting. In the past, the number of parents with children in the district who voted was very low. Maintaining and, year after year, raising the level of education that our children receive in Southold is the priority."

The PTA has begun a "Promote the Vote" campaign. A page devoted to the initiative can be found on Facebook and in the coming weeks, the Southold PTA's Facebook page will post updated information, Kaelin said.

"Our most powerful tool in meeting that goal is exercising our right to vote. If the budget exceeds the tax cap then 60 percent of the vote is needed for the budget to pass. It is the PTA's hope that parents stay engaged in the issues involved and have their voices heard, most notably by spreading the word and voting. We hope that parents and students realize the impact their voices can have."

Parent Jennifer Koke agreed. "I am very worried about program cuts," she said. Programs that Koke hopes would not be impacted include music and art -- and a half-day kindergarten program would be a concern, she said. "I just think it is so important that everyone gets out and votes this year."