JAMESBURG- Issues include finances, growth and academic achievement
By: Nick D’Amore
JAMESBURG Three Board of Education incumbents are seeking re-election for the 2002-2003 school year. Board President Donald Peterson and Francis Hand are seeking three-year seats, while Michael Tehan is seeking a two-year unexpired term.
Candidates said issues facing the district include finances, growth and continuing academic achievement.
Voters will get their say on the three candidates and the proposed $9.5 million budget at April 16 school elections.
Mr. Peterson is finishing his third year on the board and his first as board president.
"I enjoyed my first term and helping the town. I find the work rewarding," he said.
He said the primary issue the district is facing concerns economics.
"We have a low ratable base and a budget with a 40-cent tax increase. It can become an issue," said Mr. Peterson.
He also would like to see standardized test scores go up for the district.
Mr. Peterson said the budget ensures a continuation of a quality education.
"The budget we presented ensures all programs we have in place will continue to be serviced and that there will be no dropoff in the level of education our children receive," he said.
He said, though the 12 percent budget increase is "unfortunate, the unfortunate reality is that educating our kids at Monroe Township High School is not an inexpensive proposition."
He said that 32 cents of the 39.6-cent increase is going to fixed costs, such as the MTHS tuition and health benefits.
"On top of that, state aid was frozen and it doesn’t translate into what it sounds like. We actually get a decrease. Each year, we’ve been expecting and getting a $300,000 to $400,000 increase, 6 percent on average. When we don’t get that money, we’re actually getting less and we’re kind of put behind the eight-ball," he said.
Mr. Hand is completing his sixth year on the board and said he would like to continue the accomplishments of the board.
"When I look back at where we were and how far we’ve come, it’s gratifying. I still have a vision I want to accomplish," he said.
Mr. Hand said the biggest issue the board is facing is finance.
"The state aid hurt this year," he said, also citing increases such as MTHS tuition and the cost of sending out special education students to specialized schools.
He said he would also like to see academic achievement in the schools continue to rise.
"Our standardized test scores have increased nicely," said Mr. Hand.
Mr. Hand said all the increases in the budget come in "uncontrollable areas."
"Increases in tuition and the student population are things we can’t control. We have an obligation and have to commit money for those things," he said.
He said the only place to then cut the budget would have been in the discretionary budget, which has been "slashed to the bone" and would end up hurting students.
Mr. Tehan joined the board in December, replacing James Main who stepped down.
"When I was asked to fill his unexpired term, it was a real honor. I was impressed with the people on the board," he said.
"I feel I could add my insight on education and make a positive influence," said Mr. Tehan.
He said funding in the district is among the most important issues facing the board in 2002-2003.
"We have a really nice program for a small town and our administration is top-notch. We have to try and keep funding up in such a small town with low ratables," he said.
Mr. Tehan said there is no alternative to the 2002-2003 budget approved by the board.
"In Jamesburg, there is no fat, nothing can be cut. Because of the funding situation in the state, if not approved, the only thing that will be cut is educational services," he said.
"We can take a hit now and hope things improve, or take an even bigger hit and lose programs," he said.