CAMPAIGN CORNER

Right direction

Grant Miller, Derek Roseman, Craig Voorhees, John Woznicki, candidates for LPS school board
   On April 21, Lambertville’s voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in the direction of our public schools. With all that has been accomplished at Lambertville Public School over the past year, we believe voters will come to the conclusion that LPS is moving in the right direction.
   LPS’ board understands fully the need to educate our children while providing the greatest return for taxpayer dollars. At no time is that need more apparent than in the current economy and the proposed budget for the 2009-10 school year would continue to strike that balance. With the budget’s passage, LPS would finally have a program in place to teach students a foreign language, meeting a requirement of the state’s curriculum standards. It would invest in new technology to give students the 21st century education they will need to be successful. Meanwhile, cost-saving shared service agreements with our neighboring communities would be continued and strengthened and administrative costs would be held in check.
   LPS also has taken a leadership role in the creation of the South Hunterdon Renewable Energy Cooperative, which is breaking down long-standing roadblocks to cooperation between municipal governments and schools. We are moving closer than ever to taking LPS “off the grid” – at least partially – by turning to solar power to provide cost-effective electricity at no cost to taxpayers. At the same time, we have instituted new conservation and recycling programs within the school. Together, these projects are teaching students that their actions are vital to maintaining our environment and preserving Lambertville’s natural beauty for generations to come.
   Under the leadership of Superintendent Todd Fay and the current board, LPS has made tremendous strides. We need to continue that progress — not just for students, but to strengthen Lambertville’s reputation as a community that recognizes the singular importance of a strong public school. We ask for your vote next Tuesday and urge you to support Lambertville Public School’s budget.