Guest Opinion: Good value on budget

School board president offers his personal views on why voters should support the South Brunswick school budget.

By: Martin Abschutz
   As we move closer to the upcoming school budget election, I’d like to share some important information about one of the most significant and largest operations in the township — our school district.
   South Brunswick, as a community, has much to be proud of when it comes to our school system. Our students are excelling at State and National competitions. Recently, the National Merit Scholarship program recognized 34 South Brunswick High School seniors, while 45 students were named among the 2007 Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars. Both totals are the second highest in school history (2006, highest ever). Further, the District was again named one of the top 75 pubic high schools in New Jersey.
   Equally as important, this past school year all district schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (the highest designation) in all indicators for all grade levels tested under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and one that we are proud to celebrate with the community.
   The school district’s reputation for academic excellence is paralleled in the areas of music, the arts and athletics. South Brunswick is known throughout the State for its outstanding music program. Our middle and high school programs are award-winning and showcase our students’ unmatched ability. Our elementary students are extraordinarily talented. They are nurtured and shaped into quality musicians before they attend the middle and high schools for the continued refinement of their skills. Our student artists produce quality work of high caliber. Hundreds of pieces of artwork from all grade levels are on display annually at the district’s Art Gallery, showcasing the outstanding abilities of our students.
   On the athletic fields, our students continue to improve and excel as the district continues to build a highly competitive and respected program. Individual and team achievements have brought our district several county and state champions. We also continue to win the county Team Sportsmanship Award. This year, the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams won NJSIAA Group 4 Central Jersey Championships. The girls’ winter track team won the GMC Championship and the GMC Relay Championship. One team member even broke a state record this year. Even more outstanding was the performance of the boys basketball team, which took the school community and township on an amazing ride, which culminated at the Group IV State Championship game. The music, arts and athletics programs showcase some of the best-of-the-best in South Brunswick.
   Our students perform at this high level due to our extremely knowledgeable, professional and highly committed staff. Their hard work and dedication is visible with the daily achievement of our students. It is through their tutelage that South Brunswick students are among the most productive, intellectual and well-rounded in New Jersey.
   This type of school system doesn’t build itself. It is nurtured by the support of the community, who has time and time again come through by supporting school budgets and building expansion projects. We have continually shown that we place great value on our children’s education. In addition, our facilities are among the most well-maintained in the State because we have a staff and community that take great pride in our buildings and treat them with great care.
   South Brunswick School District meets the needs of its students while remaining financially prudent. South Brunswick’s Cost per Pupil expenditure is $1,050 below the State average. The district ranked as the 40th lowest, out of 103 districts of similar size, in terms of Cost per Pupil during the 2006-07 school year.
   We continue to think creatively about how we can deliver the best programs while keeping in mind our community’s ability to pay. We removed nearly $ 1 million dollars in expenses from the current budget, while adding three classroom teachers. These additional teachers will help maintain our current class size ratios.
   South Brunswick is a desirable community, thanks in no small part to our excellent school system. We all take great pride in our collective accomplishment, yet it is essential that we protect and preserve our much heralded programs as we continue to build towards an even more successful future.
   I encourage all South Brunswick residents to learn about the school budget and make an informed decision on Election Day, April 17. That’s in the best interest of our community and most importantly, our children.
   At the same time, I support this budget and urge you to do so. I believe the school budget election is the most important election each year. It shows what our community values: providing the best education and education opportunities for our children. District students, staff, and you have continued to enhance that community value through our students many achievements.
   Information can be obtained online at the district Web site, www.sbschools.org or at any of the school or Board of Education offices.
   See you at the polls on April 17.
Martin Abschutz is the president of the South Brunswick school board. The views expressed in this column are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of Education.