Letters to the Editor, April 14

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, April 14

Montgomery voters should back budget
To the editor:
   
Why should Montgomery Township residents support the school budget? I’d like to provide some background on this year’s budget to help answer that question. Although I am a retiring member and current president of the school board, I am writing this as a 25-year township resident.
   This was a challenging year for the school board, especially in the wake of last year’s budget defeat. To help meet those challenges, the board revamped its standing committee structures. This allowed board members an opportunity to work closely with the administration and ensure community issues were reviewed. The changes included forming an Operations and Facilities Committee (OFC) and a Finance and Budget Committee, both of which were directly involved in the budget process.
   Early in the process, the board and administration set some goals for the new budget. No major initiative was undertaken. Instead, the board and administration concentrated on basic concerns that have been raised: class size, transportation and taxes.
   The first goal was to provide teachers in specific areas to ensure next year’s class sizes are at an appropriate level. Our district prides itself on training our teachers to utilize differentiation of instruction techniques to provide an excellent learning environment for all students. For that to be effective, class sizes can’t be too large. By adding a modest number of new teachers, this goal can be met.
   We have a large transportation system that became even more complex with the opening of the new high school. This is an area where there are distinct tradeoffs between time, money, efficiency and convenience. The administration and OFC worked to make incremental improvements to this year’s system and evaluated a number of options for 2006-07. They conducted a survey and held a town meeting to gather input. They reviewed alternatives developed internally and suggestions from the community. The board believes it has made the best tradeoffs by altering the school start times and adding a few additional bus routes.
   Finally, property taxes are a major concern. Our fuel and utility costs have risen considerably and the amount of surplus we can devote to offset property taxes is significantly reduced. As a result, a number of items were cut from early drafts of the budget. We chose to not make major program changes or implement more expensive transportation options. We found additional ways to cut expenses. Superintendent Stuart Schnur and the board worked with organizations to lobby for increased aid. When Montgomery did receive supplemental state aid in the governor’s budget, it was immediately put to tax relief.
   Balancing all of the needs in the district is very difficult. Our district has grown tremendously and we have very high standards. The board has worked hard to achieve a balance and develop a budget the community can support, especially as we search for a new superintendent.
   Further information on the budget is available on the district Web site at www.mtsd.k12.nj.us. Tuesday’s bud get vote is important and I hope you will join me in voting yes.
Rich Specht
North Street
Montgomery
Urge vote for Fox, Ross and Rubinstein
To the editor:
   
It has been a year since I was elected to the seat in the Board of Education of Montgomery Township. I am thankful that I have this opportunity to serve.
   As a team, we have worked to accomplish many things that have had a positive impact on our daily lives in this town. During this past year, we spent a lot of effort to ensure a seamless transition to the new school. We established standing committees charged with reviewing issues related to operational and financial aspects so the board was empowered to make the best decisions.
   Many challenges lie ahead such as completions of negotiations of the teachers’, district employees’ and bus drivers’ contract, selection of a new superintendent. The board is going to invest a lot of time and energy in deliberating issues related to improving and sustaining academic excellence.
   We are fortunate to have so many smart and caring people running for our school board seats. In my opinion, there is a significant change in the way the board has been doing business in the last year. I am hopeful that the new members will help continue this progress going forward.
   I have been asked by members of our community my preference of the candidates who are running. I would like to support the candidacy of Wayne Fox, Christine Ross and Saul Rubinstein. With Mr. Reggie Luke, who is running uncontested, these three will bring commitment, vision and knowledge to form a strong team on the board to tackle the challenges confronting us.
   Wayne Fox was nominated to fill the seat vacated by Linda Romano. Mr. Fox brings a year of invaluable experience. I truly appreciate his probing nature and analytical ability in understanding district issues. He has successfully served several committee assignments and will be a valuable asset to the board in coming years. His experience in the Negotiations and Finance Committee will provide continuity which will be very valuable for the board in coming year.
   Christine Ross brings much needed professional experience of evaluating educational programs and polices affecting children. This will benefit the board as we deliberate on the most effective use of our limited resources in evaluating alternative solutions to improve and maintain academic excellence.
   Saul Rubinstein, for almost a year, has been participating in the school board meetings and getting involved in the discussion as a member of the public. I am particularly impressed with his tenacity in probing issues at hand and making us all think. I am also happy to see that he is running a campaign advocating teamwork. Specially, now with the selection of superintendent as well as the shifting focus of the board from facilities to the academic issues, a strong and united team will be a big asset to the new board.
   Important issues which will determine our school system and therefore our lives in our township will be decided by the new members who will be elected. I hope we will have a large turn out on Election Day
Arun Rimal
Revere Road
Montgomery
Conforti well-suited for district challenges
To the editor:
   
We support Mark Conforti for election to the Montgomery Township Board of Education.
   Over the past eight years, public attention has focused on the Board of Education mostly with respect to single, high-profile issues such as the construction of the Village School (1998), the approval and construction of the new high school, the laptops (2004) and this past year, the bus schedule.
   But, for the most part, the Board of Education conducts meetings, pays bills, negotiates contracts, hires administrators and teachers, and makes decisions regarding the academic program without much attention from the public they serve.
   Mark Conforti is intelligent, hardworking and honorable. We are voting for Mr. Conforti because he is well-suited to do the work of the district under the glare of public attention and because he will also be a board member we can trust when the topics are those that attract little attention.
   This year, at Board of Education meetings and open forums, the call has been made for the Board of Education to more frequently engage the public in dialogue, especially with regard to divisive subjects. We believe that Mr. Conforti is uniquely qualified to join the Board of Education in the face of such a challenge. His experience as a project manager at Credit Suisse has prepared him to ask questions, sift through and evaluate the demands of competing interests, and build consensus through cooperation and compromise.
   The Board of Education candidates all acknowledge that rising property taxes are of great concern and the new board must find a way to give residents some relief. Mr. Conforti has pledged to seek creative ways to solve our financial problems, as he has been doing for his private clients throughout his career.
   We have known Mr. Conforti for more than five years and are confident that he will represent the interests of all residents of Montgomery, whether or not they have children in the schools, are relatively new to the district or life-long stakeholders.
   We encourage all Montgomery residents to vote for Mark Conforti on April 18.
Tricia and Mark Caliguire
17 Hunters Path
Montgomery
Rubinstein will bring spirit of teamwork
To the editor:
I’m writing to ask you to support my husband, Saul Rubinstein, for Montgomery Township Board of Education.
   Many of you know him from the various activities he’s participated in with our daughter. He’s been in her classrooms for class parties, to help with math projects, with his homemade potato pancakes and stories at holiday time, and to read to the children. You’ve seen him coach soccer, cheer at gymnastics, and lead Brownie meetings. He’s met many of you at parent pick-up and the wonderful programs hosted by our PTA. Saul is one of the most interested, involved fathers I know.
   But that’s not the main reason I’m supporting him to run for the board position. One of Saul’s best qualities is the way he teams with our family and me. Saul doesn’t talk about "teamwork." He just lives as if we’re all a team — everyone is responsible for the win, and everyone’s input is to be valued.
   Saul is also extremely well qualified by virtue of his education and work experience. He has a master’s in education from Harvard, a Ph.D. from MIT and he teaches at Rutgers. Saul’s whole career prior to teaching was about helping businesses utilize their many resources — workers and employees — to figure out how to improve quality, work life and problem-solving techniques. When you work with Saul you know your ideas are being listened to and considered, and you feel you can really make a contribution.
   I’m confident that his contributions will benefit all the citizens of Montgomery, and I’m asking you to vote for Saul on April 18. He’s been on my team for over 18 years and now he can be on yours.
Iris Rubinstein
Grist Mill Drive
Montgomery
Katz brings experience to WW-P school board
To the editor:
   
Stan Katz, the most senior member of the WW-P school board, is running for re-election in West Windsor on April 18.
   He was a longtime contributor to our district through community and district committees before joining the board. These experiences, as well as an amazing professional background in finance and a doctorate in applied economics, have been a tremendous asset to the board over the past decade. Mr. Katz’s expertise and experience will be extremely important to the district as we implement the facilities referendum to upgrade our older schools, plan for any possible future growth, continue to review curriculum and quite possibly conduct a superintendent search if Superintendent Dr. Robert Loretan retires in the next three years.
   Mr. Katz has chaired the Finance Committee many of his years on the board. He has used his financial expertise and commitment to fiscal responsibility to help lower the district’s inflation-adjusted per-pupil cost every year over the last five years. He has guided several refinancings of the debt, resulting in considerable savings for the district with no loss in services. He carefully monitors all budgeting and financial reports, and isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions.
   Several years ago, Mr. Katz used his statistical expertise to create a model of student enrollment specific to the WW-P district. This has served as the foundation for very accurate enrollment projections and has been a tremendous planning tool. As the township considers plans for the redevelopment of the train station area, his ability to analyze the impact on the schools of various proposals will be of great value to the entire community.
   Over the last decade, Mr. Katz has helped to oversee renovations at several of our schools and the construction of four new district facilities, ensuring that they were built on time and within budget. These skills will be of great benefit to the district as we implement the recent facilities referendum.
   I had the privilege of serving on the school board with Mr. Katz from 2001-2004. I can attest to the fact that Mr. Katz devotes tremendous time and energy to the district. In addition to the various roles he plays with finance, planning, and negotiations, he is always willing to assist with the multitude of ad hoc committees and special projects that arise. He truly believes in the concept of excellence in public education and does all he can to ensure that our district remains committed to that vision in a fiscally responsible way.
   The school board is composed of nine individuals, five of whom currently have less than three years experience. As two of the incumbents from Plainsboro are not seeking re-election, there will be at least two new members this year. Mr. Katz’s historical perspective, ability to debate with the best but also form consensus, and deep understanding of our community and the issues will be critical to the board’s decision-making process over the next three years.
   Please join me in voting for Stan Katz, and the WW-P school budget, on Tuesday, April 18.
Diane Hasling
Jacob Drive
West Windsor
Gharpure has commitment to serve on WW-P board
To the editor:
   
Due to retirement of both incumbents in Plainsboro, the upcoming school board election is important to the school district. The members we elect on April 18 will determine the direction of the school district for many years to come.
   We need to elect candidates who have demonstrated commitment to the school district, have experience and can commit the time and energy necessary to be an effective school board member. I believe Anjani Gharpure is such a candidate.
   Ms. Gharpure’s daughter is a high school senior while her son will be a freshman in high school next year. Ms. Gharpure believes her daughter received an excellent education at WW-P and our schools prepared her well for college. She wants to ensure that we continue to provide excellent preparation for all students in the coming years. Having experienced elementary, middle and high schools in our district, she is aware of our strengths and what can be improved from a parent’s perspective.
   Ms. Gharpure has demonstrated her commitment to the school district by volunteering in many positions over the years. She has served as an executive secretary of high school PTSA for two years and is a chairperson for mini-grants and corporate fundraising committees. She was a member of the measurement team during the strategic planning process. That experience will serve her well as the district implements the strategic plan over the coming years. Their entire family has shown their commitment to volunteering by currently raising three puppies for the seeing eye foundation.
   Ms. Gharpure has a law degree and MBA in finance giving her the analytical tools necessary to look at each issue from various angles before making a decision. In her various volunteer positions she has shown her willingness to work with others to achieve common goals. She has the necessary time required to become an effective board member.
   I believe Ms. Gharpure will be an excellent representative for Plainsboro and our children. I encourage every voter to weigh these factors before casting their vote on April 18.
Meena Deodhar
Hamilton Lane
Plainsboro
Abe will not enter township primary
To the editor:
I recently sought the endorsement of the Princeton Township Democratic Committee (PTDC) and the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO) to replace William Hearon on the Township Committee.
   I entered this process because I wanted to better serve the community where I have lived for the past 15 years. I felt that the process was very open and five very qualified candidates came forward. I was therefore surprised by Mr. Hearon’s sudden announcement at the Township Committee meeting on March 27 to withdraw his resignation. While I do not agree with Mr. Hearon’s reason for taking back his resignation (he cites that he short-circuited the process to select a new committee person). I respect his decision to do so.
   Because of this, I have decided not to enter the upcoming Democratic primary for these reasons. First, it was clear to me that the PTDC strongly favored Mr. Goerner to take over the remainder of Mr. Hearon’s term, and so I wish Chad well. Second, I feel that if I were entered in the primary, I would hurt Mr. Goerner’s chances by taking votes away from him (I did place second in the PTDC’s process). So, I wish to make it clear that, along with the PTDC, I believe that Mr. Chad Goerner is the best person to sit next on the Township Committee and I have pledged to work with Mr. Goerner in this upcoming election campaign. Thank you.
Toshi Abe
Walnut Lane
Princeton Township
School budgets crafted under difficult conditions
To the editor:
   
By now, New Jerseyans know about Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed austerity budget for 2006-2007. The governor’s budget resulted from hard choices at the state level.
   At the local level, boards of education also faced difficult financial decisions as they prepared school budgets for the April 18 annual school election.
   Like it or not, the State of New Jersey’s financial picture — and, in particular, state aid to public education — is a major part of the dynamic that determines what a community spends on its schools and the amount of money it must raise in property taxes.
   2006-2007 will mark the fifth consecutive year that the state’s budget has either flat-funded, or provided negligible increases in, aid to education. (In fact, this year more than one-quarter of New Jersey’s school districts will experience actual decreases in state dollars.) The five-year funding freeze has occurred at the same time that school districts must serve an increasing number of students statewide and pay sharply escalating prices for necessities — such as motor fuels, utilities and insurance coverage — the costs of which are outside their control.
   In this climate, school boards have directed limited resources to the classroom through increased efficiencies and shared-service arrangements. Today, more than 70 percent of New Jersey public-school expenditures go toward classroom instruction and instructional support services, according to the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, since 1989-1990, the number of administrators employed in our schools has decreased (by 0.14 percent), while the numbers of students and teachers have grown by 29 and 33 percent, respectively.
   In his budget message, Gov. Corzine acknowledged the predicament facing local school boards this year when he said, "I appreciate that flat-funding in an inflating environment is a real cut."
   Creating a school budget in this financial environment is no easy task. It involves balancing the community’s education goals with the resources available from the state and from local property taxpayers.
   As citizens go the polls on April 18, I urge them to keep in mind the challenges facing their local board of education in determining the financial resources necessary for the education of their community’s children.
Patti J. Pawling, President
New Jersey School Boards Association
Trenton
Provide students with a strong foundation
To the editor:
   
With one year of college almost in the books, I can honestly say that my freshmen year at Boston College has been a successful beginning to a new journey. There are many reasons why I feel this next phase in my education has begun successfully; however, I believe the underlying factor that allowed for a smooth transition to college, was the education I received in Montgomery — an education that I am truly grateful for.
   From my early years in Orchard Road, to fond memories at MMS, and the complete foundation I built during my four years at Montgomery High School, I have witnessed the excellent preparation Montgomery’s schools have provided its students to take the next step in their educational endeavors.
   Learning is a progression that does not just occur in front of the black, excuse me, white boards. A complete education is also developed on the athletic fields, in student council meetings, and through extracurricular activities — aspects of education that depend on a town’s support of the school budget. I urge you to visit the polls on April 18 to vote in support of the budget, so that more students can benefit from the well-rounded education that I was fortunate to receive.
Stephen DeMarco
MHS Class of 2005
Elderberry Court
Belle Mead
Vote for the budget in Montgomery
To the editor:
   
Over the last 10 years, our community’s investment in Montgomery Township schools has produced great returns.
   SAT scores are higher; more students are taking AP classes and successfully passing the AP tests. Each day we see our investment paying off as more students achieve success, whether it is through their scholastic or extracurricular activities. Montgomery’s pursuit of excellence is in "the whole child" and the 2006-2007 school budget is aligned to ensure continued progress.
   Last year’s budget defeat forced a reduction in the number of teachers hired especially in the high school. Currently, class sizes are at unmanageable levels. One year with crowded classes has been painful; continued large class sizes would be disastrous. The proposed budget addresses this issue and will bring high school classes back to appropriate levels for effective education.
   The 2006-2007 budget will ensure that our resources are directed in the most efficient way. Our per-pupil spending, that is the amount of money we spend on each student, is 17th lowest out of 104 New Jersey school districts which have similar demographics. In this time of cost consciousness, this is a noteworthy accomplishment.
   Clearly, when you hire top quality teachers and give them the resources to do their jobs amazing things can happen. Your continued investment in Montgomery Township schools means that we can meet the challenges of a rapidly growing, more diverse school district. I believe that the proposed budget is strategically designed for the continued success of the district while keeping costs at the lowest possible level for taxpayers.
   The proposed budget will enable us to meet the challenges ahead with a highly qualified and extremely dedicated workforce equipped with the proper tools to help all of our children achieve academic success. I urge you to vote yes for the school budget at the Elks Club on April 18.
Anne Biber
Briar Hill Court
Montgomery