SOUTH BRUNSWICK: A state-of-the-district report

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   The South Brunswick School District held its fourth annual Education Summit on Feb. 26 with a state-of-the-district address.
   The summit provided residents with a status report on various parts of district operations in areas such as personnel, professional development, curriculum and instruction, student assessment, student services, technology, safe and caring schools, finance, facilities, transportation, Community Education and building community partnerships.
   ”We hope to share with you aspects of our current status, including strengths, where appropriate and challenges where necessary,” said Superintendent Gary McCartney in an e-mail provided by the district. “Tonight’s presentation comes at a time of great difficulty and economic hardships and calls for great analysis. Our hope is that the presentation will allow you to understand that we have given great analysis to all aspects of the district.”
   The district highlighted its efforts to keep budget increases minimal through a number of measures. Strengths in the area of finance were identified as transportation efficiency, cooperative purchasing in areas like insurance and supplies, shared services and a utility audit and revenue-producing program.
   The measures have consistently generated revenues used to offset the need for greater tax increases, which has limited budget increases to below the state approved 4 percent tax levy increase.
   The district highlighted its efforts to make the facilities and grounds operations more cost-effective by conducting an energy audit of all district facilities. The district pointed to a 2003 referendum that expanded and renovated existing facilities, allowing for class sizes that are appropriate for their corresponding grade levels, thereby enhancing the learning environment.
   Areas such as education technology and information technology including the district Web site, emergency e-mailer and autodialer, and technology to support curriculum were pointed to as highlights. The measures have helped to increase electronic communication and have provided multiple methods of emergency contact, while also saving money due to less paper and labor.
   The presentation stated that professional development strengths have helped to deliver a common curriculum, which positively impacts student achievement.
   The summit pointed to the full combined efforts of each aspect of operations, which are designed to maximize each student’s potential while operating in a cost-effective manner.
   ”This organization is your community investment in our children, their futures and yours as well,” Dr. McCartney said in the district e-mail. “In our schools sits a future generation of electricians, doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers. Some day, when you want a professional, you’ll hope that the public schools have provided the foundation for those professionals to build upon.”
   To view the full Education Summit presentation, visit the district Web site at www.sbschools.org.