03/30/06 The Pressure is On to Seal the Deal The pressure is on! In spite of recent exposes describing their behind-the-scenes "juggling act," superintendent Rhau and Board President Bouno almost arrogantly dismiss the repotrs and forge ahead in their effort to secure those five majority votes in time for the April meeting. This is their apparent attempt to "seal the deal" to transfer principal Tim price to that "temporary" position before that "temporary" is cut from the budget. Rhau and Bouno will undoubtedly strive to "razzle-dazzle" the public with words designed to convince us that the move is essential and that Price is the most qualified and experienced man for the job, but, such a move by these "elites" (to what amounts to little more than having someone else do Rhau's work) will ultimately cost taxpayers thousands upon thousands of dollars in execssive and unnecessary salaries and benefits. Even through the "razzle-dazzle" we can see what is happening....it's the "why" that should be examined. I understand that the name of Board President Buono's son has now been removed from the list of prospective candidates for the principal position, and that Rhau has narrowed his selection to two other candidates. Allegedly, one of these "candidates" (who, I am sure, will be the new No.1 pick) is a close friend of Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Nucifaro (supposedly, both live in the same area of Guilderland, near Albany). Since the name of Buono's son has now been removed (at least for now) from the list of candidates, I can well imagine who Rhau may now be recommending to the Board. The entire matter gives the impression of impropriety in that these certain "in charge" individuals appear to hold a monopoly on all the high-paying administrative positions which are doled out to family and friends, and that the taxpayers of Saugerties have become a "cash cow." I don't understand why Rhau and Buono are so determined to add another layer to the already top-heavy administration, particularly when the associated financial burden has become such an unbearable one for so many taxpayers. We already have a 41-million dollar school budget and the possibility of a 7.32% tax increase looms ahead. Where is their conscience? If Rhau and Buono are that anxious to spend all this money, why give it to Price, why not spend it on the students–or those who teach them instead? The teachers have been working without a contract for the past two years. I'm sure that Rhau is very comfortable with his annual $146,000 salary (plus guaranteed 4.7% annual increase) on top of the pension he receives from his prior job in New Jersey, and his assistant Cheryl Nucifaro is comfortable with an annual salary of $103,000 plus "perks." However, the nepotism and favoritism at our expense by the "elite" has to stop! Saugerties taxpayers are slowly being bled to death with taxes. Enough is enough, the school board members must get a grip and vote against this move. I urge them to take the bull by the horns, be responsible to the taxpayer and protect our best interest, not that of the "elites." As a well-polished individual, Rhau knows all the tricks of the trade. He is alleged to have advertized in New York Times that the District is seeking applications for the position of principal. He claims to have interviewed a half-dozen candidates for the post. But now that he may have narrowed his selection down to a particular individual, he must first convince a majority of the Board to quickly vote to appoint Tim Price to that other position before it is cut from the budget. Remember, however, Rhau admits to not having a clue as to job description or pay for that position. Now, you might expect that Rhau would have addressed the description and cost factor issues with the Board before advertizing for and interviewing candidates, but looks like he put the cart before the horse instead. There is something "fishy" about this situation and shame on any board member who condones it. Rumor has it that four board members support Rhau's "juggling act" but one more is needed to secure the vote—so, the pressure is on. You know, a well-polished or shrewd individual who knows all the tricks and is determined to "seal this deal," may even postpone the vote untill all the ducks are lined up for a majority, perhaps in May. Time will tell. And saty tuned: the best is yet to come! George D Heidcamp, Sr.