From the issue of April 13, 2006.
College Fair served students well
To the editor:
On March 30, the Hillsborough High School Guidance Department offered a College Fair to our students and families as a way to assist them plan their futures, consider post high school opportunities, and meet representatives from over one hundred colleges and institutions nationwide.
This night was a huge success for our students and their families, as well as the college, military, and technical school representatives that attended.
On behalf of Ed McNeil and the Guidance Counselors at Hillsborough High School, we would like to publicly thank and recognize numerous community members and high school employees whose efforts and participation were instrumental in making this night such a success.
Frst, thank you to Vol. Fire Co. No. 2 for their donation of 40 tables that were used in the gymnasium as display stations by the college representatives. Specifically, thanks to members John Gross, Ron Berju, Bruce Vatter, Jim Brey, Mike Majewski, Brian Talorico, Phil Stolz, Bob Uniszkiewicz and Billy Schaefer as well as his young son Tommy Schaefer who volunteered their free time to load, deliver, and set up the tables, while also retrieving the tables at the end of the night to return them to the firehouse.
Their donation of the tables and personal time was immeasurable.
Second, thank you to Catered Affair for providing the food for the dinner that was offered to the college representatives as they arrived before the fair actually began. As usual, the entrée choices were plentiful and the quality of food was of the highest standard. It allowed the college representatives to start their evening on an excellent note.
Third, thank you to Nancy Watkinson, Christine Kirsche and Jill Carkitto and their Basic Foods/Baking classes at the high school. The students of these classes unselfishly prepared 20 trays of cookies, brownies and numerous pastry delights that served as the desserts. The hard work of these students, under the direction of the Consumer Science teachers, was greatly appreciated and wonderfully received.
Lastly, thank you to the numerous staff members at the high school who contributed to the College Fair in a variety of ways.
Our administrative assistants Peggy Hewitt for organizing the catered meal, setting it up, and cleaning up afterwards; Maureen Uniszkiewicz for coordinating the attainment, transport, and return of forty tables from the fire company to the high school while also assisting with the assemblage of the gift bags given to the college representatives; Sherry Brucia for her assistance in advertising and shopping for the fair.
In addition, Jim Dixon and his custodial staff for helping with the set up and clean up as well as National Honor Society students Stephanie Daugherty, Maria Banis, Chris Lowenhaupt and Dan Weyl for helping the college representatives find their way around campus.
Also, Graphic Arts teachers Tim Zavacki and Jim Schoof for their help in creating flyers and gifts for the college representatives, as well as Patricia Jackson and Roberta Henry for their assistance in various duties throughout the preparation and hours of the fair. Final thanks to Athletic Director Mike Fanizzi and the entire athletic department for their cooperation in allowing us the use of the gymnasium and adjacent areas.
It is with extreme gratitude that we recognize these dedicated professionals and community members for their assistance and unselfish support while making our first College Fair a great success. Their willingness to help the guidance counselors assist our students at this critical phase of their lives is a testament to the pervasive educational dedication that is displayed throughout the school district on a daily basis.
Edward McNeil, Christina Costa, Laura Houssell, Jim Reese, Shari Chappell, Robin Kenny, Tobi Kozak, Phyllis Pinsky, Ian Progin, Brian Yarasheski
Hillsborough High School
Paget right for school board
To the editor:
I am writing to urge all of my fellow Hillsborough residents to vote for Steve Paget for school board.
I can’t imagine a candidate who would do a better job for Hillsborough residents and our children. I first met Steve three years ago at the Woods Road science fair. He was surrounded by a large group of kids excited by the magic of dry ice.
His love for kids and education were apparent to all of us who attended. A few months later I attended the famous Cub Scout Pinewood Derby contest and discovered that Steve was the Cubmaster. What impressed me that day was Steve’s sensitivity.
He congratulated and gave high-fives to the winners and provided words of encouragement to all.
Since these initial meetings I have seen Steve on numerous other occasions and have come to appreciate his deep care and concern for children. He is always willing to sacrifice his personal time for the good of the community, from helping to build the Woods Road computer lab to attending school board meetings, from coaching Rec and Travel soccer to bringing his science background (he has a PhD in chemistry) to the Woods Road School science festivals.
I also know that Steve, a nine-year Hillsborough resident, is personally aware of the tax burden that Hillsborough residents feel. His long scientific research and business career gives him the background to make hard, fiscally responsible choices.
It may sound odd, but I am excited about voting on April 18th. I am going to happily pull the lever for Steve Paget. Please join me. Our school board needs someone with his character who is dedicated to the schools and citizens in our town.
Thomas Prusa
Michelle Lane
State should fund Governor’s Schools
To the editor:
Gov. Jon Corzine’s 2006 budget proposal eliminated the $1.9 million that funds the six Governor School programs each summer.
The six governor’s schools focus on all different academic areas, public issues, international relations, engineering/information technology, the arts, the sciences, and the environment, and afford around 600 of New Jersey’s best high school students a wonderful, tuition-free opportunity the summer before their senior year.
Unfortunately, it is too late for the 2006 Governor’s Schools to run this summer, but it is absolutely essential that the program not remain unfunded forever.
If state funding can not be secured for the Governor’s School program, then alternative funding measures such as corporate and private sponsorship be implemented.
Over the past 20 years, the Governor’s School program has afforded New Jersey’s best and brightest students a fantastic opportunity to develop personally and professionally.
Many Governor’s School alumni have gone on make large contributions to New Jersey and the nation.
Gov. Corzine must reconsider the cutting of the Governor’s School program as it is one of the best educational opportunities this state offers.
Andy Glaser
Kilmer Drive
Lin’s proposals would benefit district
To the editor:
I am writing to support David Lin for election to the Hillsborough Board of Education.
Having known and worked with David for most of the last 15 years, I can attest to this strong business management, decision making and analytical skills, and ultimately his desire as a concerned parent and town resident to improve our school system.
I am confident that his proposals outlined in last week’s edition of the Hillsborough Beacon to proactively plan the school budget in the face of uncertain state funding and improve the utilization of our tax dollars will deliver a high quality education system that fosters academic achievement for our children.
I believe David Lin would make an excellent addition to our school board.
Harold Thompson
Trotter Court
No better candidate than Rosenberg
To the editor:
I have known Marc Rosenberg for more than 20 years. During that time, I have known Marc as a professional, as a colleague, as a father, and as a friend. In all of these roles, he is a man of intelligence, passion, the highest integrity, and outstanding dedication.
Among the many things that are important to Marc, is a quality education for the children of Hillsborough. As a professional in the field of education, and the author of two books, he knows what it takes to do it right. With his passion, intelligence, integrity and dedication, there could be no better person to fill a position on the school board than Marc.
I urge you to turn out on April 18 to support him and our schools.
Joe Wions
Woodshire Way
Lin deserves board seat
To the editor:
We are writing to you to endorse David Lin for his candidacy to the Hillsborough Township Board of Education.
We have been residents of Hillsborough for the past 12 years and have two children currently enrolled in the District and one that graduated from Hillsborough High School. We strongly believe that Mr. Lin is one of the most committed and qualified candidates that we have seen in many years. We also believe that he has the best interest of both our children and our community in mind, as his campaign slogan reads "Invest in Our Children for the Prosperity of Our Community".
We have known him for over 25 years as we worked for AT&T at the time. He has always come across as someone who is genuinely willing to help others. His strong business management, financial and leadership skills would be a tremendous asset to the Board of Education.
With the challenges our district faces on the school budget, uncertain state funding and rising energy prices, we need someone like Mr. Lin to help the board to address these challenges such that we can continue to deliver a quality education to our children while balancing that with minimum impact to the taxpayers.
So, please join us in voting for Mr. Lin on April 18th because he deserves our votes and Hillsborough deserves to have the best candidate on the Board of Education.
Rick and Debbie Smolinka
Baird Drive
School plan ignores homeowners’ budgets
To the editor:
Let me tell you a little bed time story. It isn’t the kind of story you should tell your children it’s way too scary for them to hear. This is a bed time story because after hearing it, most wish they were in bed and it was all just a bad dream.
This story starts in a little town called Hillsborough it’s April in 2002. The town’s people come near and far to try to fend off a terrible atrocity known as the school budget. The people vote the budget down, and it is left to the Township Committee to pass their own version of the budget.
Alas, the Township Committee does lower the budget, but not by much.
Fast forward to 2003 it is again time for the town’s people to vote on the school budget. The board, lamenting about the previous year’s defeat says that they must have this year’s budget to make sure the children get properly educated.
Again, the people spoke and the budget question was voted down. Again the Township Committee got a crack at it and lowered the budget, but not by a lot.
Fast forward to April 2004, someone at the school board got a bright idea. They asked the question: "Who are our biggest supporters?"
"Parents," someone else on the board answered.
"Great," the original questioner said, "what if we make up some ‘educational’ program where the students have to vote on some issues? Let’s make sure that the polling places for the students just happen to match the polling places for the parents. By pure luck, the parents will have to be at the polling places anyway, so maybe just maybe they’ll go and vote for the school budget."
Presto-change-o, the school budget passed in 2004 and again in 2005.
In our little town of Hillsborough, it is now April 2006. A month earlier, the school board said that due to the uncertainty of how much the state would kick in, they need to have an additional budget question for more than $1 million Interestingly, about a week later, it was announced that the state came through with more money than the board had hoped, so all of the $1 million earmarked for the additional question, was now going to be absorbed into the regular budget.
"Since we now have no additional question," asked one member of the school board, "how can we say we’re looking out for the children of the little town of Hillsborough?"
"I have a solution," exclaimed another school official, "even though we didn’t need this money a month ago, let’s ask for another $300,000 now!" Everyone cheered.
So it was decided that it would not be hard to find a way to spend an extra $300,000, so an additional budget question was created.
We don’t yet know how this story ends; we have to wait for April 18th to find out.
However, the moral of this story is that we need to vote down this year’s school budget and the additional budget question. With so little regard for our (the homeowner’s) budgets, we need to send a message to the school board that costs need to be reigned in, not expanded.
We should also vote for any candidates that support a lower budget.
Louis Bernard
Bradovra Court
Restaurant generous to rec program
To the editor:
The Hillsborough Township Department of Parks and Recreation along with all of the staff, parents, teachers and mentors involved with our Spring Inclusive Gymnastics Program would like to express our sincere thanks to the owners of Old Man Rafferty’s Restaurant for their gracious expression of support.
The Inclusive Recreation Program provides a great opportunity for special needs, as well as typical children, to gain self-confidence, self-esteem and improved social skills. The program is in its second year now and the recent gymnastics classes were a great success.
Looking for a way to express our gratitude to our student mentors for an excellent job throughout the 10 week program we reached out to Old Man Rafferty’s for some help. We fully expected to incur significant costs in hosting an event designed to thank 30-40 volunteers. When we initially contacted Mark Jakuboski, the owner of Old Man Rafferty’s, we never imagined that he would sponsor the entire dinner event. Mark’s spirit, generosity and support for the children was overwhelming.
We are all encouraged by people like Mark who as a prominent Hillsborough businessman recognize the efforts of community volunteerism. Thank you again for your kindness.
Beth Baldwin and Jenni Newbury
Program coordinators
Hillsborough Recreation
School budget deserves support
To the editor:
With the school board election just a few days away, I want to take this opportunity to urge everyone to come out and vote. When you do, you’ll be faced with three important questions.
The first question is your selection of new board members. As a candidate for the board, I hope you will consider me as one of your choices. During my 23 years as a resident of Hillsborough, I have seen our town and schools prosper, and I am proud that people continue to want to live in our town because of the reputation of our education program. My lifelong career in education – in universities, corporations, and as a consultant, together with a masters and Ph.D. in the field – have given me the skills and insights to add value to the board and help our schools continue to deliver the quality education we all want for our kids.
In talking with many residents over the past few weeks, I am convinced that my four major priorities are the right ones for our schools and for our children: 1) maintaining a diverse and academically excellent program, so that our kids continue to achieve all that is possible; 2) building a stronger school-community partnership, so that we all can participate in creating our future; 3) balancing the investment we must make in our schools with the challenge to spend our tax money wisely, so that we do not harm the quality we’ve built over the years; and 4) upgrading our physical and technological infrastructure, so that our kids have a safe, healthy and up-to-date environment in which to learn.
You will also be asked to vote on two budget questions. There isn’t anyone in Hillsborough who hasn’t been affected by the strain of property taxes, yet the Governor has said that no more state aid will be forthcoming. In spite of this cash crunch, the proposed school tax increase is very small. For the primary budget question, it’s less than a cost of living increase; just enough to keep pace with increases in fuel, healthcare and other unavoidable expenses. For the secondary question, which will provide two new writing teachers, a permanent fine and performing arts supervisor, and a student assistance counselor, the cost for a typical household is less than that household would spend on a single trip to McDonalds. If we pass the budget, the district has said that it can support its current academic, athletic, fine arts and extracurricular programs. This is great news.
As you can see, this year’s school election is very important. Please take a few minutes on Tuesday to support the schools by voting, and urge your friends and neighbors to do the same. Polls are open between 2 and 9 p.m.
A large turnout will reflect the kind of community support our schools and our kids need. The future of our schools is in all of our hands.
Marc J. Rosenberg
Dubois Round
The writer is a candidate for a seat on the Hillsborough Board of Education
Vote for budget and Rosenberg
To the editor:
What happens if we do not learn from the past? Well, we just might repeat past mistakes for one thing.
On April 18th the voters get to tell us if they like the School Budget as well as selecting the best candidates for our Board of Education. Mark your calendars now! April 18th this Tuesday vote!
If you like our school system you might be inclined as many do, to ignore the election. What this does is leave the outcome to those who are more motivated to come out and vote, perhaps angry people like those who feel the tax is too high no matter what benefit we get from it or how our school system rates against our neighboring towns.
The "no" voters will come out, rest assured. So if you like the way our schools turn out excellent students that perform at the higher end of the scale while our costs per student are among the lowest in the county, then please come out and vote "yes" on April 18th. I’m not happy about paying such high taxes either but that is not an intelligent criterion for a yes or no vote.
Unless I see very specific places where this school budget can be cut and cut significantly, I must vote "yes."
For members of school board, I know I’ll be voting for Marc Rosenberg after working with him and his wife on the municipal playground project some years ago.
People who volunteer for such projects are the types of people we want and need looking after our schoolchildren.
Glenn van Lier
Hillsborough
Responsible budget meets needs
To the editor:
When the September facilities referendum was defeated, only 2,429 (11.5 percent) of the 21,165 registered voters turned out to vote. Last year, when the base budget passed in April, the turnout was 3,556 (17 percent).
On Tuesday, voters will have an opportunity to express their opinion in a very important election. The decision that we will be making is too critical to allow such a small percentage of Hillsborough voters to decide.
And when you decide how you are going to vote on the school budget, consider that a yes vote means that you are interested in preserving and protecting the areas in our budget that have made the Hillsborough School District the high quality and efficient school district it is today.
By voting yes, you agree that by maintaining our current programs the investment in schools will result in higher property values and a better community.
Since the defeat of the referendum, the district decided that we need to invest in our facilities on a "pay as you go" basis. The 5-year facilities plan to improve our buildings will allow for the district to spend about $1.8 million each year on our school buildings. On a "pay as you go" basis, the district can avoid incurring debt and not have to issue bonds to pay for the necessary maintenance
We believe that we have identified those projects that are time sensitive and/or in need of replacement immediately because of deteriorating conditions. For example, the Woods Road School roof leaks when it rains. The driveway at Triangle School has become a significant problem specifically during inclement weather.
The playground issue is a time sensitive issue for all school districts. A new code has been implemented regarding the safety on playgrounds and stricter safety regulations must be complied with by 2007. Three of our playgrounds will not meet the new code requirements and that equipment can not be addressed unless it is replaced in order to meet the code. The playgrounds are an important part of the school day since our students do utilize this equipment heavily during their recess period.
There are no extracurricular or cocurricular items on the separate spending proposal this year. The student assistant counselor, the two English teachers, the full-time fine arts supervisor and the public information officer/grant writer, are all important to the needs of our stakeholder groups.
A second student assistance counselor is important since we currently we have one student assistance counselor in our high school who services our student body of almost 2,400. The role of this counselor is to assist those students who have a drug or alcohol dependence issue. Unfortunately, this issue is a reality for all school districts and we need to work with these students to assist them with that problem and to get their school work back on track.
Surrounding high schools have more than one student assistance counselor to meet the needs of their student body and we have realized that we have to try to meet this expanding need in our high school by providing more resources to be available for our students.
Our costs have continued to escalate, but the state has not provided any additional support which means that we have no other choice but to rely on our local taxpayers. Meanwhile, Hillsborough continues to rank as one of the lowest spending districts in the state on a cost per pupil basis. For example, in 2004-05, our actual spending per pupil was the 20th lowest of 104 similar K-12 districts with over 3500 pupils in our demographic group.
The Hillsborough School District is at a crossroads between making the decision to preserve and protect our current programs or to allow parts of our current programs to be eliminated due to significant budget cuts. I sincerely hope that you will vote yes on Questions 1 and 2 on April 18 between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. in order to make the investment in education and maintain the quality of our schools.
Steve Sloan
Wolfe Drive
The writer is chairman of the Finance Committee for the Hillsborough Board of Education.

