Lee R. Bailey
HAZLET — The trials and tribulations of education are particularly taxing for new Board of Education President Lee R. Bailey. He’s delved into the business of both the Internal Revenue Service and education and thinks there’s an uncanny, valuable link.
A recently retired criminal investigator for the IRS, the 57-year-old resident of 1 Duke Lane says he’s "excited about being president" and thinks it’s a "vote of confidence from the board to give a relatively inexperienced board member this opportunity." He’s been on the board only since 2000, and did a temporary stint in 1997 when a board member left the dais mid-term. Regardless of years of service, Bailey is ready to step up to the leadership plate on the board.
The 35 years he spent delving into tax crimes, Bailey thinks, will benefit the board in that the experience made him exceedingly inquisitive and an astute evaluator. "I like to listen to facts and make independent decisions. Being a good listener and evaluator of facts are key to this job as well," Bailey said.
He added that the benefit of those characteristics could rub off on others, especially those in the public who need to better understand the inner workings of the board and how to affect change. "I’d like to see more people involved with board activities that involve making decisions that ultimately affect the children of Hazlet," Bailey said. "It’s very important for people to see and hear how things go — to see how we discuss things and the reaction. We like the input; it’s invaluable. The more diverse the public input, the more informed the decisions we make and the better we can effect positive change."
Feeling that perhaps the public fears the sometimes intimidating process of stepping up to the mike at board meetings, Bailey said, "It’s my greatest hope that people are not afraid to step up to the microphone and dole out criticism as well as praise. We want to hear and see it all."
He said that just like being faced with a tough criminal case to crack, the more informed the decision will be with more facts and views available on a board issue
Encouraged by the closeness of the failed $37 million 2002-03 budget, which would have raised taxes by 23.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, Bailey wants to see more parents go to the polls. He thinks the way to accomplish that is to get the parents at those board meetings. "I realize it’s tough to get out on a weeknight, but I think, as I’ve said, the more people who understand the education process, the better. And the more they have to say, the better," he said.
His bottom line as a board leader is basic: doing whatever is best for the students. "I’d like to continue with the programs that have been implemented. There was truly no fat in this budget that failed by only 48 votes. It supported what was there and what was necessary to keep in step with educational excellence. I think that not just athletic programs, but extra-curricular activities are extremely important to the students’ well-being. There are a lot of programs and activities I feel we have to keep because they are integral to the kids. The teachers also deserve their raises. They are an invaluable resource to students," he said.
Explaining that he is not a certified board member, Bailey said another thing many people don’t realize is that board members, certified or not, must go through a mandatory training course sponsored by the N.J. School Boards Association. There is also a school boards convention in Atlantic City, Bailey said, in October of each year at which board members can get together and mull over ideas.
"There’s so much to learn. Just being a board member is such a learning experience, and learning is really what it’s all about," Bailey said.