Norm Goldman, Hopewell Township
As we all know too well, New Jersey has the sixth highest cost of living in the nation. Many of us who are fortunate enough to live in the Valley deal with that reality daily whether it be taxes, health care costs, fuel and utility expenses, and inevitable rising food prices.
No doubt seniors on limited incomes face this challenge as the current economic downturn may threaten their financial status.
The bright spot has been historically that we view our fiscal investment in our excellent schools and their related impact on housing values as a major asset. Ask any realtor and they will confirm that assumption.
Hopewell Valley Regional School Board members have made some critical moves in reducing expenditures that do not directly effect the student’s ability to learn. They cannot rest on their laurels that the recent school budget passed.
A leading member of its finance committee has indicated that next year the budget crunch may force increased class sizes. That would be very unfortunate for the students as well as set an eroding precedent contrary to well established board policy and philosophy.
Some districts throughout the state cut back on athletic programs to attempt budget balancing this year. For a community like ours so dedicated to the benefits of such programs that would also be unfortunate.
So it is obvious that the next steps to find savings cannot wait for a late budget development cycle. Recently the board asked that multiple bids be solicited for those who provide service to the district. But a stringent “no bid” policy and procedure should also be evaluated to ensure appropriate cost savings throughout the current year and for future budgets.
Other administrative costs should also be evaluated. Other area districts have subject supervisors teaching courses at the high school and evaluating specific subject teachers at the secondary level while elementary school principals retain their responsibilities as the instructional leader at that level. A review of the district’s current supervisor deployment would appear appropriate.
As the district welcomes its new superintendent, this is certainly a good time for his orientation and review of administrative responsibilities of central office staff in concert with the board.