Recommendation: Change the provision of District rules so that records stored in digital format be made available on floppy disk for a fixed fee per disk and, whenever possible, in a computer format most compatible with the objectives of the party requesting the information.

Background: With database and spreadsheet information already stored on computers and with the likelihood, in time, of many text documents being stored as part of a Management Information System, providing data in the limitedly useful text format- at .25 cents per page - is archaic and an environmental nuisance.

With many programs capable of outputting documents to disk in various formats friendly to someone requesting such information, it is time to change the present district regulations to reflect a preference for distributing information digitally rather than as pages of text.

"A lifetime of employment opportunity." Can you remember when such a presumption was made about jobs with a few American corporations? In Japan, it was once both common and expected. Not anymore. Not in America, Japan or anywhere. Industrial enterprises with a quarter, half and even a full century of experience are folding their tents and calling it quits. So much for promises. Remember Grumman. Or, civil service failings. "Once in, you're in," was a truism believed by New York City employees as well, until 1975 anyway, when tens of thousands were laid off. Included amongst them were police officers, firefighters and teachers. For them and others since, throughout America, a myth has exploded.

Yet, some are slow to get the message. Consider Long Island's teachers and their Unions. They apparently think tenure -- the old promise of a lifetime of employment at mediocre productivity levels -- is part of the Bill of Rights. And, if not at least granted with American citizenship then, it is most certainly unassailable once obtained and never-ever renegotiable. Wrong!.

Tenure is provided for by Section 3012 of the New York State Education Law. It and provisions like those found in Section 3020a -- dealing with Disciplinary Procedure, and the guarantees provided by civil service status -- make firing a nearly impossible situation. Remember the New York City teacher's affair with a student in early 1995, his kidnapping her and driving about the country looking for place for them to get married!!? Staff knew of the teacher's relationship early-on and did nothing about it. Then they delayed taking any action, even after the story made national headlines. Why? Because of the "safety net" provisions offered by tenure and related provisions of law, inhibiting rapid reaction throughout the State of New York.

Legal inequities cannot be addressed locally. They require legislative response. Tell state legislators how you feel about due process provisions affording a disproportionate advantage to an accused. Tell legislators you think tenure unwarranted, unconscionable and outdated. Tell them you want change. Emphasize that you want it NOW.

Good ideas prevail. The bad ones linger for what seems like forever, then fade away. The "beast" that is tenure will die in such a manner, as enough of us learn about the downside to its survival. Call, e-mail or write your legislators today.