A message
to school board
To the editor:
I’m encouraged by Judy Ferguson’s perspective in the "Valley View" school newsletter on debate and I hope the school board is taking note. As Dr. Ferguson, superintendent, states "we seem to have lost the ability or the willingness to debate issues openly, logically and civilly."
Hopefully after Dr. Ferguson’s note, the board will now change its tactics.
Many concerned parents have begged and pleaded with the school board to discuss problems with the school policies on technology, busing, athletics, curriculum and budget, to no avail. In fact, requests for discussion are not even acknowledged. For example, the bus task force was established to determine the best way to solve the cutting of hazardous busing. The school board had already decided to cut busing, and in fact, is basing the budget on not paying for this busing, even before the task force was given a chance. "Lost willingness to debate logically."
Parents who are repeatedly ignored by their own school board finally write letters to the editor expressing their frustration. These parents are then lambasted publicly and by name by school board members. This reflects Dr. Ferguson’s concern of "Lost the ability to debate civilly."
Attend any school board meeting and you can see what Dr. Ferguson is most concerned about. You get three minutes to speak your concerns and afterwards no one on the board will respond. They have "lost the ability or willingness to debate issues."
Often they go into a private session (even though by policy they do not need to) to vote, so that again the attending public does not know how the decision was made. Dr. Ferguson’s concern "Lost the ability or willingness to debate issues openly."
I am sure many parents welcome a debate regarding the school board policies. The school board must only agree to the type of debate that Dr. Ferguson recommends. Let’s work together to come to resolutions and compromises based on logical, open and civil debate.
Jim Wulf
Hopewell Township
Thanks for supporting
football program
The following was written to the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education and submitted to the HVN for publication:
My son David Anderson has just completed his senior year as a football player for Hopewell Valley Central High School and I am writing to thank the school board for supporting the introduction of football into the high school sports program. The positive impact football has had on my son is difficult to explain, but I am going to try.
Dave joined the football team in his freshman year. For the past four seasons, he has flourished in the program under the amazing coaching of David Caldwell and his staff. Coach Caldwell always believed in Dave, encouraged Dave, challenged Dave and helped guide an awkward young boy into a confident 18-year-old adult who knows how to be part of a team, show leadership skills, encourage other players, hold his head high, and work hard every single day.
On Dec. 3, I attended the end-of-season football banquet held at Timberlane Middle School. It was a wonderful evening of recognition, humor, awards, and heartfelt appreciation to the coaches, volunteers and families for all they have shared with the high school students. As I looked around the room, I saw naturally gifted athletes, and I also saw youngsters who, in the past, might not have had the opportunity to be part of Hopewell Valley’s traditional sports that often require children to become experts at a young age.
Football has not taken over the athletic program in our district, but it has made it possible for even more students to enjoy the benefits sports can offer. Thank you again for supporting the football program and for bringing this district a gifted and tireless coach in the person of David Caldwell.
Hope Anderson
Hopewell Township
A rewarding experience
To the editor:
As the calendar year draws to a close, the shorter days provide a moment to reflect on the experiences of the year.
I would like all the residents of Pennington, my neighbors and friends to know how honored I am to have served as mayor during the past year. It was truly one of the most rewarding experiences in a lifetime filled with many great experiences.
I enjoyed participating in each and every activity associated with the privilege of serving as mayor. Visiting our elementary school children at Toll Gate, the opening of a new restaurant, Za’s, the dedication of a Howe Commons building in Dr. William Abey’s name are but a few of the special memories I will always remember.
The opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremonies at the high school and address the proud graduates, their families and the community was a distinct honor that good fortune provided. How fortunate I was to have the chance to impart a few words of congratulations and Godspeed to those graduates.
It was a privilege to come to know all the hard-working business owners, municipal workers, and volunteers that continue to make Pennington a special place. I salute the commitment they have to our community. It is through their efforts that Pennington remains a place for friends, family and visitors to enjoy.
I would like to extend my thanks to all the residents who encouraged me during the campaign. It was a lively, fun experience that provided a keen sense of insight as to the priorities and values of our residents.
Pennington has many challenges ahead, many of which are external to its borders. I will always be committed to Pennington and its future.
Jim Benton
Pennington

