Garden City Seniors Have Mixed Feelings About Rising School Taxes

Patch spoke with several seniors at the St. Paul's senior center to find out how superintendent Dr. Robert Feirsen's recommended $101,117,058 budget for 2011-12 - which calls for a 2.58 percent tax levy increase (with STAR) - will affect their wallets.

One senior criticized the "system" while another felt it was her "obligation" to endure the rising taxes whether she has a child in school or not - because seniors did the same when her six kids attended school.

“Why can’t taxes be frozen for seniors?" Jeanette Ferrell asked. "Our children are long out of school. Why is the burden only on the homeowner? Part of the problem is the structure. I think it’s an unfair system. City taxes are half of what our taxes are. The state should be responsible. The burden should not just be on the homeowner."

Kathleen Auro of Merillon Avenue had a different take: “I feel that when my children were in school, senior residents paid taxes for my six kids over the years. I now feel I have an obligation to do likewise whether I have a child in school or not.”

Resident Helen Carss questioned the need for so many administrators. "We have such well trained teachers and principals. Is it really necessary?” she asked.

Roslyn Colangelo said the district's reputation speaks for itself. "The main reason my daughter moved here is because of the schools and their reputation.”