Letters to the Editor, April 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, April 13

Approve Princeton’s school budget
To the editor:
   
I am writing to urge all Princeton residents to go to the polls on April 17 and vote yes for the Princeton Regional School budget. This is a carefully crafted budget that supports educational programs and initiatives that provide a first rate education to all of our children. All-day kindergarten, a K-12 world language program, a district-wide autism program, ESL, basic skills, outstanding performing and visual arts, strong co-curricular athletic programs, AP and accelerated classes, excellence in science and technology —-these are just some of the benefits our children reap when they enter one of our schools. As a former school board member, I admit to a definite prejudice. I believe that supporting public education is one of the most important investments any of us can make. There is nothing that we as members of the Princeton community can do that touches so many and reaps as great a reward.
   Electing school board members who take their fiduciary responsilbities seriously is key to having confidence that your tax dollars are being used wisely. To that end, I heartily encourage Princeton township residents to cast their votes for JoAnn Cunningham and Dorothy Bedford. For the past four years, Dr. Cunningham has been a calm, thoughtful and responsive member of the board. She has been a vital member of program, personnel and finance committees. Dorothy Bedford’s background in finance and her keen understanding of Princeton community, both town and gown, make her a value-added candidate for the school board.
   Please remember to go to the polls on April 17. Vote yes for continuing excellence in the Princeton Regional Schools and vote for JoAnn Cunningham and Dorothy Bedford. They will be careful stewards of your tax dollar.
Anne B. Burns
Baldwin Lane
Princeton
For Bedford in Princeton
To the editor:
   
If you live in the township, you have the opportunity to strengthen and enhance the Board of Education for all of Princeton. We are writing to encourage you to vote for Dorothy L. Bedford on April 17. Dorothy’s decision to run for a seat on the Princeton Regional Board School Board of Education is a golden opportunity for our town to benefit from Dorothy’s strategic, intellectual and interpersonal strengths.
   In 1993, Dorothy and her family (husband Rush Taggart and three daughters, all alumnae of Riverside School) relocated to Princeton, so she could assume the Executive Directorship of the 250th Anniversary of Princeton University (her alma mater). Dorothy Bedford rose to the challenge of working with a wide spectrum of faculty members, administration, alumni and other contributors. Under her leadership, the Anniversary was noted for its community outreach, including joint efforts with the Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Council, and the Princeton Artists Alliance.
   The Princeton Community has benefited from Dorothy’s many volunteer activities. Bedford is an award-winning Girl Scout leader currently with Cadette Troop 185 (Riverside School), and co-led the re-introduction of Scouting to Riverside School in 1996. She is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a member of Nassau Presbyterian Church. Bedford currently serves as chair of the Board of the Princeton University Store, an independent member-owned co-op. She was a principal in the deal announced in December to bring a U-Store branch to Nassau Street.
   We got to know Dorothy when we all served as Board Members of the Riverside School PTO. Dorothy ran the Library Volunteers for four years. During the school construction phase, the library at the Riverside School moved its entire collection twice. Dorothy worked over 20 hours per week during these moves, of her own volition (this was not a requirement of the position). So, we know first hand that when Dorothy Bedford commits to a project it will be done irrespective of the physical or time demands.
   What does it take to be an effective board member? From what we have observed, the keys to success include intellect, knowledge, a strong work ethic, strategic thinking, and most essentially: superb diplomatic skills. Dorothy Bedford is the rare person who possesses all these laudable attributes. We are lucky Dorothy is willing to dedicate her abilities to our school system. Please support Dorothy Bedford for election to the Princeton Regional School Board of Education on April 17.
Jane Milrod Jemas
Riverside Drive
Princeton
Jeanine Barsamian
Prospect Street
Princeton
"Extremely capable"
To the editor:
   
The challenges facing our School Board have become extremely complex over the past few years, and with funding changes looming in Trenton, we can expect further challenges in the future. We are fortunate that we have an extremely capable candidate for School Board in the Township, Dorothy Bedford, who is willing to commit her talents and energies to maintaining "The Princeton Difference" in our school system.
   Through professional training and work experience in investment banking, Dorothy possesses the skills needed to analyze and make recommendations on complex budget issues. Her administrative capability was admirably demonstrated by her most recent position as chair of the Whitman lecture series, focusing on public policy issues. She is comfortable acting in the political environment in which many decisions are made and a strong advocate for issues that she is passionate about.
   It is critical for the school district to leverage its resources with town organizations with similar missions, given the constraints it is facing. Dorothy’s involvement in the community and relationship with many organizations in town, such as Princeton University, of which she is an active alumna, chairing their 250th Anniversary Campaign, as well as the Crisis Ministry and Girl Scouts of Delaware-Raritan, put her in an ideal role to expand upond prior relationships started by former board member Frank Strasburger.
   As a parent of three children, one of whom is in college, Dorothy has been through the entire K-12 spectrum of educational experiences, giving her a long-term perspective. Most recently she has been actively engaged in supporting students with special educational needs, and will be a conscience for the board in this area.
   Over the many years that I have had the good fortune to count Dorothy as a volunteer colleague, I can attest to the thoroughness of her planning and decision making skills, her ability to deal with a diverse constituency, and her desire to constantly improve upon current operations and policies.
   Please vote for Dorothy Bedford for School Board.
Shari L. Powell
Christopher Drive
Princeton
Approve the budget in WW-Plainsboro
To the editor:
   
Community values are the guiding principles embedded in the educational program in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. The importance we all place on education is the groundwork upon which the Board of Education builds a budget to support the programs, activities, and professional development of the school system. The Board of Education is keenly aware of the economic realities surrounding budget preparation. Yet, it is our responsibility to present to you a reasonable budget that allows for an efficient and valuable educational experience for all of our students.
   For the 2007-2008 proposed budget, we are adding teaching positions due to increased student enrollment. We are proud to announce that there will be no program reductions or cuts in athletics or co-curricular activities. The Board of Education believes that our students are enriched by this array of athletic teams and co-curricular clubs and activities throughout each school year. The budget that goes before the voters on April 17, 2007, is for a moderate 4.3 percent increase from the current school budget.
   And, don’t forget to vote on the second question, which is asking residents to reconsider the way the townships allocate school taxes. The proposal is to allocate taxes on a per-pupil basis, which would have each township pay its share for the exact number of students living in each township. The proposal has the support of township officials, and will lessen the yearly tax fluctuation in each township.
   The Board of Education of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District appreciates continued interest in our excellent school system and it is our joint responsibility to ensure a continued high quality of education. Remember to vote on April 17, 2007. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
   
Hemant Marathe, President
Board of Education
Clarendon Court
West Windsor
For Marathe, Johnson in WW-Plainsboro
To the editor:
   
Though the West Windsor-Plainsboro school board race has been a quiet one so far, this is actually a very significant election in several ways.
   Dr. Loretan, our current superintendent, has announced that he will be leaving this summer. The new Board will have the task of appointing a new superintendent and assisting with the leadership transition. The district has begun implementation of the referendum building projects. Informed oversight will be critical to stay on time and on budget to build the facilities the voters expected in passing the referendum. As a result, experience and proven leadership are key in this election.
   The two incumbents running for the West Windsor seats, Hemant Marathe and Robert Johnson, have the experience and leadership to help guide the district through these challenges while still handling the normal district issues relating to administration, facilities, curriculum and finance.
   Hemant Marathe has been on the board for six years, serving as board bresident for the past three. He has served on both the curriculum and finance committees. As a fellow board member for three years, I can attest to the insight, understanding and mediation skills he brings to the table. As the second most senior member of the group, and having worked closely with our current superintendent as president, I believe his experience would be extremely helpful to a new superintendent.
   Robert Johnson, the current board vice-president, is running for his second term. He was part of the administration and facilities committee that carefully reviewed the district buildings and assembled the referendum plan that was passed last year. He is now part of the finance committee, a group that has consistently lowered our per pupil cost relative to similar surrounding districts and has helped to bring the current question to change the township tax allocation to a per pupil basis to the voters. His understanding of both facilities and finance will be a tremendous asset as we implement the referendum building plan over the next three years.
   After years of seeing the school tax burden swing from township to township for years, sometimes with a perception of unfairness in the real estate equalization process, voters also have to opportunity to vote on changing the tax allocation system to a simple per pupil basis. As the economy of each of our townships is similar, this seems to be a fair and more stable approach to sharing the costs of our schools.
   School board members volunteer for this job, which takes considerable time and thought. We are fortunate to have talented community members who are willing to serve, and I thank all of those who are running. This year in particular, I believe we need the experience and skill sets our incumbents, Hemant Marathe and Robert Johnson, bring to the position. Please join me in voting for them, as well as ‘yes’ for the budget and ‘yes’ on the tax allocation question, on Tuesday April 17.
Diane Hasling
Jacob Drive
West Windsor
Approve the budget in Montgomery

To the editor:
   
Tuesday, April 17 is the budget vote and school board election, and I urge Montgomery Township residents to come out and support the school budget.
   The proposed budget maintains the excellent quality of education in Montgomery at its traditionally low per-student cost.
   The 2007-08 school budget presented several challenges to the Board and community this year: major budget components increased substantially, including teacher salaries (nearly five percent) and health care costs (seven percent); yet the state provided virtually no help. The state contribution is just six percent of Montgomery’s total budget, and recent legislation capped local tax increases at four percent. Yet, through careful budgeting, the overall tax increase was kept below the cap at just 3.2 percent, and the projected average tax increase — $235 — is the lowest we have seen in many years. And with this modest increase, the budget continues to support the educational and extracurricular programs that offer the breadth and excellence that Montgomery is noted for.
   The budget was developed through a collaborative process that responded to substantial input from stakeholders in the schools and in the broader community. The activity fee, which caused some controversy, was modified several times to respond to concerns, and is currently $75 per child for those in grades 7 through 12, assessed just once per year per child to cover any number of activities the child participates in. The Board has stated that no child will be excluded from activities for non-payment of the fee.
   Whether or not you agree with the activity fee or other details of the budget, the budget has to pass as a package, and overall, I believe the budget is positive for our schools and deserves support.
   If you have children in the schools, your "yes" vote affirms and supports the quality of education that your children are receiving. If you do not have children in the schools, your "yes" vote supports public education where you live, at a responsible cost. I urge you to come out and vote in support of the proposed school budget and for continuing quality education in Montgomery.
Gerard DeMarco
Elderberry Court
Montgomery
From McGrew in Montgomery
To the editor:
   
Since the day I decided to petition my name on the ballot for School Board, I have met many residents who have shared their stories and opinions with me on the local topics regarding the schools. It has been a learning experience only matched by the education I have received from our schools. I want to thank those who have offered their ideas and opinions, as it has allowed me to create a stance on local issues.
   There are several issues I would like to address including: Fees, a new Superintendent, North Princeton Developmental Center, innovative education, and special education.
   My position on the fees has been clearly and effectively advocated. The fees are unnecessary but most importantly, no matter how many times the proposal is changed, the fee is still impractical. The district has stated the fee issue was a last resort. However, if we are in such dire straits, why, when "across the board" cuts were proposed, no central administration cuts were explicitly presented?
   There are a projected 2,606 students for the 2007/2008 school year. A successful fee policy would require 2,334 students to participate and comply with the currently proposed fee policy, leaving 272 children throughout five grades (roughly 55 students per grade) who are either on the lunch program, who will not participate, or will have financial hardship. That, in my opinion, is extremely conservative and highly unlikely.
   Two years back, we invested in a superintendent search effort. The board failed to complete the task of hiring a superintendent after a year-long search. Now we have an interim superintendent and lost money we could have used elsewhere. We need a superintendent personally invested in the future of the district. The issue seems to have been put on the back burner and is now a mere link on the district Web site. I plan to aid in the search by bringing a former student’s perspective to the search process. This will bring someone invested in what is best for the students.
   Regarding NPDC, I plan to work with the town, community, and other board members to ensure our children’s safety during the demolition and abatement.
   I would like to also propose, after exploring the possible financial means to do so, an in-school forum network for students. Being a student of the 21st century, as the board has stated, I have seen new and innovative ways to boost class discussion and learning. In my AP Physics class, a forum was set up by one of my peers. The forum has inspired non-school related physics research and meaningful topic discussion outside of the classroom. I would also further pursue initiatives like this.
   Lastly, being a former special education student, I have experienced the benefits and challenges of both in-district and out of district placements. I believe the best practices in special education are guided by a collaborative approach. Taking this collaborative approach could reduce legal expenses and could bring savings as well.
   I believe we should confidentially survey special education parents, asking pertinent questions about improvements they would like to see. We should learn from the survey whether any parents whose students are educated out of district would be willing to participate in this process to design internal programs that provide the same and comparable support and at the same time offer greater opportunity for social interaction with typical peers. We need to tread carefully since some students are out of district due to past problems of within district programs but I believe working together, we can design great programs in district. The effort should focus on parents participating on a volunteer basis.
   We can also explore opportunities to work together designing programs with neighboring school districts, reducing transportation costs and redirecting the savings to delivery of free and appropriate Public Education.
   These are some specific ideas I would pursue as board member. I ask you to weigh these proposals and consider offering me your support on Tuesday, April 17. For more information please visit http://www.ElectMcGrew.com. If you have any comments or suggestions please contact: Tom McGrew at [email protected] or at 908-240-0659.
Thomas McGrew
Brandywine Road
Montgomery
From Galvin in Montgomery
To the editor:
   
My wife Kathy and I moved to Belle Mead in 2004 with our four children. Montgomery’s excellent schools were among the key factors in our decision to settle in the township. We currently have a child enrolled in both Village Elementary School and Orchard Hill Elementary School as well as two in pre-school.
   I am a partner and executive vice president of RDC Golf Group. RDC is a leading golf course owner and management firm with more than 500 employees from Florida to New Jersey. I also sit on the board of directors of several industry-related associations. In the local community, I am active as a Cub Scout den leader.
   Education: Originally from the Boston area, I attended high school at the Derryfield School in Manchester, New Hampshire. I obtained a BA in History from the University of New Hampshire in 1989 as well as a MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California in 1992.
   Positions & Policy Statement: Montgomery Township is blessed with an excellent public school system that is supported by a community that wants the best for its children. However, this comes at a cost and has created several issues.
   We need to manage the school budget as efficiently as possible to help minimize taxes. Long-time residents should not be forced to move elsewhere once their children are out of the school system and that will happen if proactive measures are not taken to manage the school budget more efficiently.
   The state lawmakers in Trenton have cut Montgomery’s school funding in relative terms and actually prevent us from seeking additional dollars since they believe our enrollment growth is flat – despite the facts to the contrary.
   The Montgomery Township School District is now forced to live within a four percent annual cap on expenditures and we need to take steps to live within that limitation. I believe that this is possible without having to resort to additional fees, as is currently proposed, or diminish our academic excellence. Furthermore, this is not a one-time issue. Many of the school district’s largest expense categories are growing above four percent per year. Next year we may have an even greater budget gap and new or higher fees will not be sustainable.
   The solution is to institute a budgeting process which forces administrators to justify each and every dollar on an annual basis. The starting point should be zero, not the prior year’s levels.
   Much has been stated about Montgomery’s low cost-per-pupil. However, that can be misleading, since the average age and tenure of MTSD teachers are below the state and regional averages. As age and tenure increase the costs will increase and we may no longer compare as favorably. I firmly believe that an excellent education and prudent financial management of the school district’s budget are not mutually exclusive.
   Today the Montgomery Township Board of Education is fortunate to have members with impressive academic and leadership credentials. Several are prominent in academia and all are volunteers who give considerable time from their personal and professional lives for the benefit of our children. I believe that my hands-on business experience, making tough budget decisions in a challenging business climate, will bring a perspective to the BOE that will better enable Montgomery Township manage its school finances within the limitations we must observe while continuing to provide the best education possible.
Matthew Galvin
Boulder Brook Court
Montgomery
For Bradley in Montgomery
To the editor:
   
I am writing this letter as an enthusiastic supporter of Andrea Bradley’s candidacy for re-election to the Montgomery Board of Education.
   I hope that by now parents know of Andrea’s tireless mission to improve our schools on behalf of our children. What may be lesser known are Andrea Bradley’s recent efforts to enhance the appeal of our high school students to the top universities and colleges in this nation. Happily, year after year, Montgomery is named one of the top public high schools in New Jersey. But that does not necessarily translate into equivalent visibility to our nation’s colleges.
   Andrea has begun to tackle the whole subject of college admissions and how competitive and stressful it has become for our students on many levels. Among the efforts she has undertaken is the recent overhaul and editing of our college marketing materials in Montgomery. She not only initiated this change, but also actually co-wrote and edited these new materials with our guidance department. Recognizing parent dissatisfaction with these materials, she started there first. Andrea then turned her attention to the needs of our parents and their children in this process. Montgomery has begun a series of parent programs designed to be responsive around a broad group of issues including navigating the college admission process. I know this first hand, because I have had the privilege of being brought in by Andrea, her peers at the Board of Education, and the administration to deliver some of these programs. It is an exciting time here in Montgomery because of standout public servants like Andrea Bradley who have the vision, integrity, and acumen to do more than just sit on our rankings. She is a critical and irreplaceable part of a team that is newly defining Montgomery as one of the most responsive, diverse and exceptional districts in the state.
   On a personal note, I have been extraordinarily impressed by Andrea’s strength of character, keen intelligence, judiciousness, and grace under pressure. She is also one of the most genuinely open individuals I have ever met. This holds particular value in an elected representative. We are fortunate to have someone as dedicated and caring as Andrea Bradley on our school board. I urge you to vote for her re-election on Tuesday, April 17, 2007.
Nedda Gilbert
Saucon Valley Court
Montgomery
From the candidate
To the editor:
   
I am running for re-election to Montgomery’s School Board. I wanted to share with you why I am running again, and why I am asking for Montgomery’s support at the polls on April 17.
   Since I was elected in 2004, the School Board has made enormous progress in addressing many of the problems that led me to run in the first place. I believe that initiatives taken by the School Board in the last three years have enabled us to more effectively communicate with the community and thereby better understand and respond to the needs of Montgomery. I am gratified to have been an important part of these initiatives.
   The Board has worked hard to improve communications with the community by sending regular email blasts, enhancing content on the district website, hiring a public information officer to manage communications, and presenting alternative forums for discussion of issues with residents, such as town meetings.
   We have expanded oversight of district operations by establishing working committees of the Board. These committees provide a forum for in-depth dialogue with administrators, resulting in Board discussions that are more informed, and more engaged, and that improve our ability to anticipate issues.
   Some of the issues I have been involved with over the past three years include:
   • Member of Ad Hoc Community Relations Committee
   • Revision of 2005-6 Budget with Township Committee after voter defeat
   • Hiring of special litigation counsel for MHS construction project
   • Transportation Town Meeting – Spring 2006
   • Joint Task Force with Township regarding shared services and cost savings
   • Interview process to hire new Superintendent and ultimate hiring of Interim Superintendent
   • Cleanup work at Skillman Village near our Village Elementary School
   • Reinvigorated the college placement work done by MHS Guidance Office.
   There are some very exciting challenges just ahead for the School Board. I very much want to represent Montgomery in these critical discussions. Near-term examples include hiring a permanent superintendent, exploring in-depth how to educate students to be meaningful contributors to the 21st century global economy, pursuing an assessment for learning initiative and initiating long term strategic planning for Montgomery.
   I am perhaps most proud of the progress the Board has made in listening to the many voices in our community. While the process is not always smooth, there are many examples in the past three years where the community, by speaking out on important issues, has directly impacted the Board’s decision-making. I believe it is the very essence of public representation that we consider ideas, proffer them to the community after serious study, and then spend time listening to what our community thinks …and of course, letting that thinking inform the Board’s ultimate decisions. I would be honored to continue to be a voice for our community, and a listening ear, on Montgomery’s Board of Education.
   I believe that representing our community on the Board of Education demands more than just attending meetings on two Tuesday nights per month. I am a committed and active volunteer in our schools and community activities, in spite of the extensive time I spend attending various Board meetings, committee meetings, meetings with the Township, etc. I am always happy to spend time talking to residents about School Board issues – and do so all the time. As a result, I bring a very real perspective of our community’s concerns to the Board’s deliberations as opposed to only theoretical possibilities. I am a visible part of this community, and it is with pride and a sense of privilege that I have served Montgomery these past three years.
   I am excited about this election, and I hope that I can count on Montgomery’s support at the polls on April 17.
Andrea Bradley
Wild Azalea Lane
Montgomery
"A tireless volunteer"
To the editor:
   
When Andrea Bradley joined the Montgomery Township School Board she committed to work on the manner in which the business of the school board was conducted. She said she would open up the process to more voices and consider input from more constituencies. She also committed to communicate more effectively when and why decisions are made. Andrea Bradley has done this and more.
   Andrea spends countless hours researching and gathering information on a variety of issues. Whether working this year to garner public input into the budget process or analyzing the North Princeton Development Center situation with the Township, Andrea does not shy away from listening to a variety of opinions before making a thoughtful decision.
   Andrea’s intelligence is a tremendous asset to the community. She uses her background as a lawyer to dissect and synthesize the information presented at the lengthy Board meetings into thoughtful, concise positions which she presents back to the community. She never hesitates to look at another side to an issue and always is willing to consider a creative solution to a problem.
   Andrea has introduced a number of communication tools to keep us informed: email blasts, newsletters and public forums.
   Andrea is always considerate and mindful that she works for the parents in this town but represents the children who are so often without a voice in the process. Andrea has first hand experience as she is a tireless volunteer working in the schools alongside other parents and students and can bring that insight to her position on the Board.
   We feel fortunate to have a strong, child-focused leader like Andrea on the School Board and encourage you to Vote Andrea Bradley on Tuesday April 17.
Debbie and Bob Meola
Burnt Hill Road
Montgomery
"An active contributor"
To the editor:
   
We support Andrea Bradley as she seeks a second term on the Montgomery Township School Board. Andrea’s first term in office has been marked by a welcome shift from closed-shop decision making, to a Board of Education which considers issues based upon careful research and the opinions of those they represent. By implementing changes to the Board committee structure, we now have a Board investigating issues in-depth, discussing them in detail with the administrative team, and making decisions based upon richer, more informed public deliberations. The days when Board-level decisions were based principally upon Superintendent and administration recommendations are over. This Board has faced divisive issues; yet decisions concerning transportation, the budget and Skillman Village are being made wisely and with serious consideration of public concerns.
   Andrea.Bradley has been an active contributor to the changes at the Board of Education and an outspoken positive participant in this new process that listens and considers the voices of our community.
   Andrea Bradley’s professionalism and legal experience are attributes that have served our community well. We believe that the more compelling aspect of Andrea’s service, however, is her tireless volunteerism and activism in our community and in support of our schools; service that has not diminished during her tenure on the Board. From spearheading a $52,000 playground-fundraising effort in 1998, to serving as the founding President of the Village School PTA, and continuing with her ongoing commitment to PTA and classroom activities, Andrea Bradley is a daily presence in our schools. This level of involvement provides her a realistic view of the issues and accessibility to parents where she can hear their concerns outside of formal School Board meetings. Whether at 5th-grade Fun Days, cheering on school and community athletic teams, supporting the UMS Pit Band, or simply waiting on-line at parent pickup, Andrea is in our community with parents, students, and children, and this distinguishes her from her opponents in this election.
   No credential can match the experience and wisdom that Andrea Bradley’s level of authentic involvement affords. There is no better qualified, motivated, or accessible candidate for Montgomery School Board, than Andrea Bradley. We urge Montgomery to vote to re-elect Andrea Bradley on April 17.
D. Bruce Windom
Kate Windom
Carriage Trail
Montgomery
"Receptive to parents’ concerns"
To the editor:
   
Andrea Bradley is up for reelection to the Montgomery Township’s Board of Education and I whole heartedly support Andrea for reelection. Andrea is a smart, hard working, dedicated and committed school board member and a tremendous asset to the board and to the community.
   As a realtor, I often work with families who examine school districts very carefully when deciding on where to purchase a home. One of the main reasons families choose to live in Montgomery Township is because of our excellent school system. A good school district is important for all homeowners but most important for the children who attend our schools.
   Fortunately, our community is comprised of parents who value and are committed to quality education. We have good teachers and administrators and a dedicated and approachable superintendent with Sam Stewart. Equally crucial is our school board with committed individuals who do what is best for our children and our schools while thinking for themselves and working collectively to achieve their goals.
   I have attended school board meetings and have had the opportunity to work with Andrea Bradley. She continues to have what it takes to help make our school board accountable, responsible and receptive to parents’ concerns. Andrea is not afraid to speak up or take the initiative on an issue that needs attention or that parents have brought to her attention.
   Andrea has children in the schools and can be seen volunteering at school or at parent pick up. She sees and hears what is going on first hand and this is an essential perspective she brings to the board. The current board members challenge each other and sometimes disagree but ultimately listen to parent’s concerns and work together responsibly to deal with the issues ranging from transportation, to the clean up at Skillman Village, to the budget and so much more. Andrea is a vital part of this process.
   At school board meetings, Andrea conducts herself professionally and articulately. She has the ability to listen and bring different perspectives to the table to be accurately assessed by the school board. Serving on the school board is a big commitment and Andrea is enthusiastic and ready to serve again to make our school district even better. We are very fortunate that Andrea Bradley is willing to continue to work hard for our children and our schools.
   A vote for Andrea Bradley on April 17 is a vote for our children’s future.
Valerie Smith
Kemper Lakes Court
Montgomery
For Wang in Montgomery
To the editor:
   
Yiping Wang stands out from the crowd because of her unique combination of intellect, adaptability, activism and compassion. She came to the United States over 20 years ago on a United Nations Children’s Defense Fund scholarship and has consistently worked to optimize early childhood and school environments to produce the best outcomes for all children.
   Her programs for children of substance abusing mothers have positively transformed the lives of so many families. Yiping does not represent any individual culture or political group, except children. Rather, she has developed the ability to work in many cultures which identifying universal needs and aspirations.
   When faced with novel situations she is unusually capable of dissecting each of the parts and understanding how they fit into the whole. While she is not political, she understands political action, especially when the constituency is children.
   Yiping is fiscally conservative and demands performance for each dollar spent. She will investigate novel ideas about education while understanding the basic principles and groups that must be served. Indeed, she will always be a voice of reason and common sense when elected to the School Board.
Jay A. Tischfield
Adams Court
Martinsville