By DANIELLE SHAPIRO
HERALD NEWS

PATERSON -- The school board voted 6-1 against the district's $529.8 million budget Wednesday night, with many members echoing public concerns about the district's decision to end financial support for community programs.

Coaches from among the city's roughly 50 school-year and summer recreation programs as well as parents, students and educators, came in droves to the evening meeting at John F. Kennedy High School to voice their anger and frustration at the district's plan.

"You said children first, and we trusted you," said Fernando Villa, who addressed the board with his 8-year-old daughter, Starr, by his side. "We are asking you to fight for the children."

Between tears, Starr also managed a few words: "Sports is a good way for kids not to be in the streets."

Although most board members opposed the budget, as a state-operated school district since 1991, their vote is only an advisory one. Schools Superintendent Michael Glascoe retains the final authority to approve the budget. The state Education Department already approved the budget, submitted in preliminary form two weeks ago.

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