To the editor:
Reading the article "Voters Nix School Tab" was enlightening as well as food for thought. Over many years I blindly supported the school budget, expecting the system to do their job in a professional and accountable way.
Unfortunately, factual information over the past few years reversed my support. The budget, in my opinion, has become a lavish enabler and blank check for special interests, projects and enhancements in the name of the children’s education. It is time for our Township Council to give out some tough love and make the school system live within a cost-effective budget no courtesy busing, no increase.
As we face difficult economic times, administrators need to be accountable enough to the facts and act on them and not rationalize and blame senior citizens. It is my opinion the budget failed not because of seniors, nor water bills or municipal costs, as board members believe, but because we as a community are facing reality. For a system to disparage a group of people is unacceptable, not to mention the school board has a policy of "zero tolerance for discrimination."
Isn’t it time for the Board of Education and school administrators to own up to the fact that as taxpayers we all carry a different burden? Though some of us have done well, we all need to live within a budget. Isn’t it their responsibility to be cost-effective, and not escalate it to new highs annually? Isn’t it time to cut wasteful and nonproductive programs, and enhance educational programs that lead to the success of our students?
Though rationalization for waste and lavish behavior of excess is evident, we all need to understand the whole community that is served. We the South Brunswick taxpayers are responsible to pay the majority of salaries of the school system, and support the majority of employees well into their retirements. A look at our hiring practices and salaries needs attention. For those who argue competitiveness to the corporate structure, I say check the real world. There aren’t too many corporations left with benefits and retirement security, nor work schedule left to compare to.
It is my opinion that it is time for the educational system to get back to focusing on a quality education for all of the children. I haven’t seen too many Rhodes Scholars graduate from our system, nor too many professional athletes for that matter. Creativeness, focus, education and cost-effectiveness is taught by example.
I say no increase and no courtesy busing. Anyone that needs courtesy busing should pay a fee that would offset those who cannot afford to do so. It should be totally self-supporting.
We are a fairly affluent community, which can change by a weak link. A Rolex watch is a beautiful timepiece, but a Timex does the same job. Time is ticking, let’s hope the Board of Education and Township Council are paying attention.
Mary Kapsidelis
South Brunswick
