To the editor:
The voice and vote of the everyday citizen in a school referendum is a precious right and a significant duty. A single referendum provides entire communities with powerful opportunities to restructure their own neighborhoods in terms of educational excellence, tax rate and property value.
As a resident of Jackson Township, I was proud to vote yes in the recently passed $103 million Jackson schools referendum. My children have long since graduated from Jackson Township School High School, yet I felt it was my duty to support quality educational facilities in a township which is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Our referendum, which passed by only 10 votes, will provide a new high school, a new elementary school and the very necessary expansion of existing facilities. I view my $200 tax increase as a worthy investment.
When referendum debate and deliberation was at its height in Jackson, I had the opportunity to speak with a wonderful senior citizen. This man resides in one of our township retirement communities. I asked him, since he was living on a fixed income, how the vote would effect him.
I will never forget his reply. He said thoughtfully, "You know my own grandchildren live in Vermont and I miss them very much. When I searched my conscience, I realized that I needed to vote as if they lived in this town. I also need to trust that seniors living in other places will vote the way I do."
What a remarkable man.
As an educator in the Monroe Township Public Schools , I am following the current Monroe school referendum debate with interest. I certainly am committed to the beautiful children of Monroe. I also see, first hand, the need for educational expansion in this vital and growing community.
I can only hope that the seniors who reside in the planned retirement communities of Monroe have the vision and foresight of my senior friend in Jackson when they vote on Sept. 24.
Kathy O’Rourke
Jackson
Ms. O’Rourke is a teacher within the Monroe Township School District