Now that the budget has been passed, have the jobs of the meeter/greeters in each school been saved?

The elementary school greeter positions have been eliminated.

Can you explain why the average tax rate increase is higher for Chester residents than for Warwick residents?

Homes in Chester are currently assessed at 57 percent of full value while Warwick homes are currently assessed at 13.5 percent of full value. The difference in the estimated tax increases is a result of the varying annual assessment rates for each town, which are set by the Town Assessors in Warwick and Chester, and are subject to change in August.

Odyssey of the Mind is such a valuable program and promotes brain power and problem-solving. Why was it cut from the budget? There isn’t a lot of money involved in keeping this program afloat. Why would students be denied the chance to improve their thinking skills? Is there any chance that it can be reinstated?

It was reinstated and our commitment is to work with schools and parents to see how to expand the OM program to include more than 56 students.

I've seen signs that read "Pearce for School Board" around Warwick. Is this candidate running for the Warwick Valley Central School District Board of Education?

No. The five candidates running for three WVCSD Board of Education seats are: John Connolly, David Eaton, Michael Gurvich, Christina Pahucki and Samantha Sweeton.

Can you tell me exactly how many people will not be employed by the WVCSD when the new budget comes into effect? In other words, how many people will be laid off?

The 2011-12 proposed budget calls for 53 position reductions. However, due to subsequent retirements and resignations in positions that won't be re-hired, the anticipated number of layoffs at this time is 40.