To the editor:
I support both questions of the school district’s proposed budget and the candidacies of Martin Abschutz and Attilio DeFalco. I urge all community members to do the same.
Having served as a board member for 22 years, several as budget chair, I understand the challenges faced by the current board in crafting a budget which continues to meet the varied needs of all students as well as many of the state mandated objectives. Weighing competing priorities is never easy and the decision to include a second question was a good one. Non-remote and late busing are important both for the safety of our children and for their well being in the after school hours.
With continuing enrollment growth and health benefit and utility costs rising, the district’s expenses increase just as ours do at home. Keeping the local taxpayer’s share of school costs as low as possible has always been a sincere desire of the Board of Education. This year is no different.
I believe the proposed budget is the best compromise and I ask the community to support it.
Also drawing on my board experience, I know that nine members committed to both the best education for our children and the welfare of the community are important to a responsibly functioning school district. For these reasons, I urge you to vote for Martin Abschutz and Attilio DeFalco.
During Mr. Abscutz’s term on the board he has proven to be an invaluable asset with his broad financial expertise and his total dedication to all the children in the district. His ability to comprehend the impact of proposed state laws on South Brunswick has often guided the district’s policy.
Mr. DeFalco will bring a new perspective to the board. He has been very involved on the elementary level since he has a young daughter. Having worked with Mr. DeFalco at our church I know how committed and talented he is in planning for children’s education which includes his dedication to music. Professionally, his work in the computer field will provide the district with much neededtechnological expertise at the policy-making level. With a recent view of what’s working and not working at the elementary level, and technological insight valuable to the entire district, Til is needed by our board.
I urge you on April 19 to vote for Attilio DeFalco and Martin Abschutz, and to vote yes to both questions of the proposed budget.
Gail Barcelo
Kingston
Ms. Barcelo is a former member of the Board of Education.

