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Budget boost begets big rally Service employees, teachers in West Valley show their school spirit 
September 24, 2003 Leading the cheers for the school budget in West Valley, Cattaraugus County, is a new Wild Cats dance team. West Valley Service Employees are staging a glittery pep rally to say thanks to the community for support of the school budget last spring. When the West Valley school's budget came before voters last spring, staffers at the one-building district held their breath. "Our community was faced with a possible 12 percent increase in property taxes," said Jim Howe, former president of the West Valley Service Employees. The future of the district, with 500 students enrolled pre-K to 12, was clearly at stake, said Rick Crandall, a veteran activist from the West Valley Teachers Association. "First we got the veto override. Then the community overwhelmingly supported the budget. It was a great one-two punch of support." The state Legislature restored some $1 billion in education aid when it overrode the governor's budget in May. On June 3, West Valley voters added their 'yes' votes to a record 94 percent of school budgets that passed statewide. The Cattaraugus County district has not always enjoyed such support. "We've all seen the devastating impact when budgets don't pass," noted Michelle Enser, president of the WVTA. From 1999 to 2002, West Valley was part of the New York State United Teachers' Local Action Project, which helps locals build coalitions and reach out to communities. To show their appreciation for this budget passage, Howe and new Service Employees local President Barry Mahnk decided to stage a community-wide pep rally that highlights all sports and students - not just football - this October. Not spartan on spirit Like most pep rallies, this event will feature a lot of high-volume cheering and recognition. Also, a new press box on the football field will be dedicated, a dance team will debut and there will be appearances by regional celebrities such as the Buffalo Jills cheerleaders; Buster Bison, the mascot for the Buffalo Bisons baseball team; and possibly the mascot for the Buffalo Sabres hockey team. The West Valley TA will be distributing guides developed by NYSUT on the higher academic standards and brochures for parents on helping their students meet them. Helping to make it all happen with a professional look is a $7,000 budget raised from local businesses, administrators, the teachers union and parents for supportive messages in a program. Mahnk said he was heartened by the support. "We've always known the community supports the schools. Now we can really celebrate that." The rally begins at 8 p.m. Oct. 2 in the school gymnasium on School Street in West Valley. - Betsy Sandberg |
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