To all public officials: Spend no more!

We have been attending the budget meetings for our local school districts in both Nassau and Suffolk counties over the last few weeks and recognize the tough spot school officials and taxpayers find themselves in this year. With a flagging economy and no let up in state mandates, the decisions that have to be made are very difficult. No one, neither teachers, administrators, parents nor community residents want to see their school programs summarily dismantled as a result of these dire economic times.

But the realities are too harsh to ignore. In every community homes are in foreclosure, people are forced to live on retirement savings that have been cut by 20, 30 or 50 percent or more. Some people have lost their jobs while others are barely holding on as their companies or businesses face a serious financial decline. This is not some short-term problem we find ourselves in; it will take at least a couple of years, if we are lucky, to climb out of this economic hole we find ourselves in today.

That is why we want to make it abundantly clear to those charged with putting together next year's budgets—NO NEW SPENDING.

In school districts where bonds have been paid off, officials should use those savings to offset any contractual or unavoidable increases in things like energy costs that they face next year. In school districts where some additional funds are found as a result of capital projects that came in under budget or surplus funds are available, those monies should be used to reduce the tax impact for the coming year.

We all would like to give our children the best of everything and to continue to improve our school facilities and school programs. For years, the public has sacrificed a lot to do that, but this year times are different. It is, in our opinion, unconscionable for any school district or other government entity to embark on any new plans or programs, no matter how important they may appear to be. It's time to cut back, cut out and work through this storm together. It's the only responsible way to go.