By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Manville Board of Education candidates were asked a three-part question for their views and opinions about the school budget that was proposed for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year.
The first part of the question was: With all the school cuts coming from the state and onto the district, how do you feel about the budget that was proposed?
Incumbent Heidi Alles: “The past two budget cycles have been difficult but manageable from the perspective of state cuts. The key has always been for us to be well prepared and plan accordingly.
”Dr. (Johanna) Ruberto, (Business Administrator) Kim Clelland and our administrative team put a great deal of work into this budget and made sure the Facilities & Finance Committee was in a position to deal with the cuts and take our time in making adjustments.
”The entire Board of Education was actively engaged in the budget process as well, and by November, we already had our game plan in place. I believe that collectively, we have put together a budget that is fair for both our students and our taxpayers. We functioned as a team in every sense of the word, and I am proud of the budget we have presented. “
Judy Faulkner: “I feel Manville is in good shape with the proposed budget considering the difficult challenges the board was faced with. I believe the board worked diligently on the budget while keeping the students best interest in mind. The board was faced with the difficult decisions on where to make the cuts.”
Valerie Frank: “The Manville Board of Education team should be commended as they have created a virtually transparent proposed budget that would have little negative impact on our children’s education as well as the taxpayer’s finances. I support this proposed school budget.
”I feel that the proposed budget balances the needs of the students as well as the taxpayers. An increase of $69 in taxes on a $300,000 house will have very little impact on a family’s expenses.
”In my opinion, a school system should offer our children the ability to become well rounded, both academically and socially. An education is not something that anyone could put a dollar figure on. An education is priceless.
”I feel that the children could benefit from this proposed budget. One example of this is, by keeping full-day kindergarten. This will benefit the children as this would build a stronger foundation for them in their early learning years. Together we can support Manville Pride and make our schools and town a proud place!”
Jeanne Lombardino: “This is a good budget. The 2011-2012 funding proposal fairly reflects the priorities of the Board of Education. Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed upon us by federal and state governments, this budget represents less than a 2 percent increase in expenses. Still, our focus on our students remains clear and unambiguous. Three examples are: continuation of full-day kindergarten program, added emphasis on our guidance program and projects that will be undertaken to render our facilities safer and efficiently maintained. “
Sharon Lukac: “I feel very comfortable with the current budget proposal. I have always paid strict attention to every budget proposal, and have taken notice that in the last two years, the current board has truly done their homework and stayed ahead of the cuts to ensure our children were not left behind. It’s amazing to me that in times when almost every school board in New Jersey is in dire panic mode, Manville’s board has not made one statement in that same panic. I think it shows great leadership and a very well thought out mission goal.”
Kim Richter: “I feel that the proposed budget is fiscally sound. The tax rate increase of 2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to $1.13 is fair. When you consider that some New Jersey towns are paying or it has been proposed that they pay for athletics and/or co-curricular clubs and for full-day kindergarten. The fact that we are still offering full-day kindergarten is a huge benefit to both our students and our hardworking parents/caregivers.”
Second part of the question: “What more/less would you like to see for the children in this school district?”
Ms. Alles: “Well, like anyone else, I would love to see our kids have laptops, Kindles, iPads, you name it! However, we all know that is not realistic in our current economic climate.
”With guidance from the experts we have in our district, one thing I have learned is that throwing money at our problems is not necessarily the right answer when working differently can accomplish the same goal. The Virtual High School is a great example of that theory in action and I am a big fan.
”My other priority has always been an effective guidance program. It must be K-12 and allow for our children to begin planning their future at a very young age and our team is working very hard on that. In this competitive college selection environment, it is too late in ninth or 10th grade to start thinking about these decisions when your course selections alone can make or break your college application.
”Having been through the college application process a few years ago, I know how daunting it can be for parents. They need resources and guidance, too. So for me, more out-of-the-box thinking and more emphasis on guidance.”
Ms. Faulkner: “I would like to see more sports programs offered in ABIS and the lowers grades if possible so our children have the opportunity to have physical activity at a younger age. It is important to have our children aware of their health and the need to stay physically fit. I would also like to see more infusion of technology into the class to support instruction with the 21st century skills.”
Ms. Frank: “One thing that I would like to see more of is that students/former students’ opinions be noted and addressed. I think that our district needs to hear their voices. One can only build on constructive criticism.”
Ms. Lukac: “I would like to see our children receive as much of an opportunity to succeed on the same level as any other school system in New Jersey. I will be adamant about fighting for, and ensuring every Manville child is given that right, and more.”
Ms. Richter: “I would like to see funding remain for athletic, visual and performing arts and extracurricular programs. The focus should be on our students and providing them with a world-class education while providing activities since Manville does not have a youth center. I would like to see more funds contributed towards curriculum books, lab materials, technology etc. and less on cosmetic changes. To make a real difference, changes must start from the interior and work their way out to the exterior.”
Third question: “Was there something that you feel should/should not have been cut?”
Ms. Alles: “No. I feel this board did everything possible to stay under the cap while still maintaining programs, keeping our buildings safe and planning for improvements. Yes, there were cuts, but they were fair and across the board.
”Again, this was not done in a couple of weeks with little thought or preparation. It’s hard work and it’s frustrating and requires a lot of time, patience and compromise, but the sound business practices we have implemented and innovative ways we have found to cut costs all year long allowed us to make good decisions with solid data.
”Although I am mindful of taxpayer concerns from a financial perspective, I can’t forget the great things I see in these schools, on our playing fields and at our board meetings. Our Superintendent’s Report is almost always filled with good news of really great kids making us proud every day kids who take their education seriously and appreciate the extra-curricular and sports programs that they are offered. I hope it never comes down to having to cut programs, clubs or sports that keep our kids involved and challenged. It really does take a village and from that perspective, I think Manville will do just fine in striking the right balance.”
Ms. Faulkner: “I believe professional development initiatives should be maintained. The professional development initiatives keep our teachers current in the trend of education and best practices. When teachers stay current our students will benefit. I’m glad the district was able to continue to offer full-day kindergarten to our students. Considering the budget challenges I feel our district is moving in the right direction.”
Ms. Frank: “I feel that the Manville Board of Education put a lot of time, thought and consideration into their decisions. Should the school budget not pass, then the team would have to take another look at options. This is where I would like to hear some feedback from our present/past students for some of their insight. Together we can support Manville Pride and make our schools and town a proud place!”
Ms. Lombardino: “There are no programs or services that are being cut with the current proposal. However, if conditions were to improve, I would support expanding programs that prepare our students for entry into higher education and into a sharply changing labor market.”
Ms. Lukac: “In the economic times we are facing these days, I realistically can’t imagine not facing cuts in the near future. But we have a very great team of professionals in our district, who are committed to our children. And if I’m elected to the Board of Education, I will fight to ensure that what our children need to succeed will be defended. I believe with proper fiscal responsibility, a well thought out plan, and a committed group of professionals, Manville could stay ahead of this problem and protect all of our children’s future.”
Ms. Richter: “While it is unfortunate that some difficult decisions had to be made, I feel that the changes will not be significant in respect to having a drastic change on student life. Some cuts to sports and clubs or combining of clubs were realized and I applaud the BOE for making these tough decisions in the best interest of our students.
”In the event the budget is defeated, I am concerned about what this will mean to full-day kindergarten, additional reductions/cuts to programs, and stability of an efficient education for our children. As a parent and taxpayer, we ‘must’ research what the state refers to as mandated programs, as you would be surprised what the state deems necessary and what it does not. The key to approving this year’s budget will be getting the community out there to vote and looking at the big picture and not a dollar sign.”

