Candidates for the East Windsor Regional Board of Education expressed their views at a forum on Wednesday.
By: David Pescatore
HIGHTSTOWN The five candidates for the three available seats on the East Windsor Regional Board of Education stated their positions on various school issues during a public forum Wednesday at Hightstown High School.
Incumbent board President Bruce Ettman disagreed with the first question submitted by one of the 20 members of the audience, which challenged the consistency by which the present board punishes students who commit crimes, including vandalism and drug offenses. The question also addressed the importance of student safety in the minds of the candidates.
"At no time has any offense been diminished. Discipline hearings are held confidentially and with evidence not available to the public. The safety of our students is paramount. We consider the evidence presented to us and the needs of students and the district in making rational decisions," Mr. Ettman said.
Fellow incumbent Sheri Grunwerg, a nine-year veteran of the board, agreed, adding, "Each discipline hearing is brought independently."
This could explain why members of a group of students accused of the same offense could be punished differently, as the quality of the evidence may vary.
"I have children in this building and all of our buildings are extremely safe. We have done a lot of work to make them as safe as possible," she said.
Newcomer candidate James Hauck said, "The Board of Education cannot replace the juvenile court system."
Mr. Hauck, who has been a teacher outside the district for 25 years, said students who commit crimes should be prosecuted by law.
He went on to say that although he did not support "zero-tolerance legislation," diminished punishments taught a lack of responsibility.
"If the children come to expect second chances, they are in for a surprise. In the adult world, the courts are not so lenient," Mr. Hauck said.
Forum moderator Malissa Arnold, from the League of Women Voters of the Princeton Area, next asked the candidates what they would look for in a candidate for chief school administrator. The position currently is being filled on an interim basis by James Sheerin, who has said that he is not a candidate for the permanent position, although it would seem that at least some current board members wish that he were.
"The chief school administrator sets the tone for the district," said incumbent candidate Stu Dolgon. "Dr. Sheerin has been very proactive in refining the district’s crisis plan and developing criteria to evaluate field trips. This is the type of person that we need to look for."
Newcomer candidate Robert Oberle said the board would have to evaluate how the candidate’s approach to running the district would square with the values of the district.
"We would have to see how he would handle the issue of construction, the big ticket items. Also, we would see how he administers academically."
All of the candidates agreed that standardized testing was a valuable tool for educators, but should not be the final evaluative measure for a district. They agreed that the district does not have the problem of its teachers "teaching to the test," or teaching students how to do well on tests, but not teaching the broader spectrum of information.
Mr. Hauck said, "Tests are needed to evaluate the students’ ability to learn," but that he teaches his students information and the ability to solve problems.
"There is not always a test to deal with life’s problems," he said.
Mr. Oberle said that the tests are one of many important tools.
"We need to ask what we are doing to educate our children, not what we are doing to raise test scores."
The current board members were pleased with the planning process and progress made in the school construction project.
Mr. Dolgon said the board evaluated regional trends two years ago and determined that the construction would be necessary.
Mr. Ettman said the entire project reflected a change in the board’s philosophy.
"This whole thing was planned, organized, and systematic. There was public participation at every step. I believe that Dr. Oberle suggested a change in the location of the cafeteria at McKnight that led to a lot of redesigning and improvement."
Ms. Grunwerg said, "There is not one person who could say that they could not have had input."
Mr. Dolgon, in his closing statement, said his career as an auditor for the New York State comptroller’s office has prepared him for his role on the board.
"I audit government programs to insure that they are efficient. On the board, I evaluate the district to make sure it is well run. I hope to provide the best education possible in the coming years."
Mr. Ettman said that as a lawyer, he represents the public.
"This district faces many challenges. There is a substantial population that speaks no English. There are 53 languages spoken in the district."
He lobbied for all of the incumbents, saying "We have the people in place to make this district the best in the state. We are positioned to take the next step in making this district what it should be."
Ms. Grunwerg said there are few constants in this ever-changing world.
"We need people and places to hold on to. I have lived in East Windsor for 24 years and started 15 years ago as a volunteer at the Drew school. I appreciate your continued support."
Mr. Hauck said, "No one board member can effect change in the schools or administration."
He said he would introduce ideas and attempt to work as a team with the existing board. He said also he would make himself available to the public to discuss their concerns.
Mr. Oberle said he saw a lot of involvement in the community.
"That high level of involvement tells me that there is a high level of concern. That level of concern tells me that people are dissatisfied with the district."
He said he would find new sources of funding and increase the level of academic achievement.
He concluded by saying, "I do not see the present board addressing these issues."
The forum was sponsored by the East Windsor-Hightstown League of Women Voters and the Choosing to Participate class of HHS.
School elections will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. April 15. Polling locations can be found on the Web at www.eastwindsorregionalschools.com.