Five candidates agree on big issues, but disagree on smaller ones
By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Five candidates seeking election to the Board of Education agree on the major issues, like support for the 2012-13 budget and use of technology in schools.
But there are minor differences on topics like the school calendar, high school graduation site, making athletes take physical education and the possibility of eliminating the April vote and moving the candidates’ portion of the election to the fall.
The polls will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Three three-year terms on the school board are up for grabs. Board President Steve Paget and Vice President Marc Rosenberg declined to seek third terms.
Candidates Lorraine Soisson and Allen Zdroik have said they support each other and are working together in their campaigns. Deena Centofanti and Dana Boguszewski are collaborating on their election efforts, too. The fifth candidate is Aldo Martinez, who last fall ran for Township Committee.
The five candidates were each sent 25 statements about the school system and asked to agree or disagree with each. Here is what they said:
1. The school should hire more teachers, especially at the —— grade level (fill in range).
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez.
Undecided: Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: All grade levels. It is a proven fact that reduced class sizes has a direct correlation to student achievement.
Centofanti: I believe there are some grades that still have large class sizes. I believe this is a fluid number based on town demographics. It has been identified that the high school and middle school have some larger classes based on schedules and need staff to decrease the classroom burden. This was addressed in the current budget. Would still like the elementary class size reduced.
Martinez: Generally, any class size above 25 students presents challenges to the quality of education, especially at the elementary level. The district needs to have sufficient teachers to react to needs in different schools as the needs arise.
Soisson: I do not currently have the data to answer this question.
Zdroik: I would need more information on the current teacher/student ratios and comparables.
2. The school needs to put more emphasis on art, music, physical education.
Agree: Boguszewski, Martinez.
Undecided: Centofanti.
Disagree: Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: I do agree that we should place more emphasis on art, music, and physical education in all grade levels.
Martinez: A strong liberal arts component is critical to each child’s development. I have always been impressed with our students’ performances in the arts and athletics.
Centofanti: I believe these are important to the curriculum and we have many talented students. I have not heard any concerns that there needs to be more of an emphasis on the arts in the curriculum.
Soisson: I believe that we offer students many options to be introduced to arts and music in the later grades and that funding priorities lie elsewhere at this time. Likewise, daily physical education starting in fifth grade is sufficient. The band program at ARIS should be recognized as a great investment. I would consider targeted investments for introduction of specific arts programming at the elementary school level or ARIS if funds were available and if it did not take away time from required curriculum.
Zdroik: I think that there are areas of need in the capital improvement arena that might have a higher priority right now. I would be willing to look at data to see if maybe there should be more emphasis in these areas.
3. Athletes should be excused from gym during their sports season.
Agree: Martinez, Soisson, Zdroik.
Disagree: Centofanti.
Undecided: Boguszewski.
Martinez: Physical activity requirements are fulfilled and their time is best utilized by doing school or homework.
Centofanti: Not sure, since they chose to participate in a sport. Would need to evaluate specific circumstances. Gym is also nutrition and health education.
Soisson: We need to support our student athletes by excusing them from gym class so they can spend more time on their studies since their free after-school hours are limited and they already are getting an appropriate amount of physical activity. This might help ease the overcrowding of gym classes that is an issue at the high school.
Zdroik: There appears to be overcrowding in the high school gym classes and this would help solve the problem without having to hire more staff or impacting the overall health of students, who are already getting physical activity through sports.
Boguszewski: We should see how the students, parents, and teachers feel about this before we make any conclusions.
4. The school district should buy computer tablets for all teachers.
Agree: All five agree.
Martinez: All teachers should have equivalent technology. This technology makes each teacher more effective in the classroom and more productive.
Centofanti: Buy or lease, the teachers need updated and functioning equipment to engage students. Also, need a means of communicating with parents to build a partnership in education.
Boguszewski: Technology is a critical component to student achievement.
5. The school district should buy computer tablets for students in grades ——.
Agree: Boguszewski.
Disagree: Zdroik.
Undecided: Centofanti, Martinez, Soisson.
Martinez: Currently the district is piloting a program in the middle school and high school; the results should be reviewed before deciding to go further. Special education classes are using tablets to great benefit.
Centofanti: I believe the district needs to make technology available to students. This could be through better library/computer lab hours or a lease-purchase program. Also believe the district if obligated to ensure that policy is in place and students understand the benefits and risks of having it.
Soisson: If this would offset the costs of purchasing of textbooks and other classroom materials, I might be in favor of doing this at the high school level.
Zdroik: I am not yet convinced that this is necessary.
Boguszewski: Grades 3-12.
6. There are jobs in the district that could be done by private contractors. (If yes, which ones?)
Disagree: Boguszewski, Martinez.
Undecided: Centofanti, Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: Ideally we wouldn’t contract out any positions.
Martinez: Privatization can produce undesirable consequences and not result in savings in the long run. In addition, lack of reliable individuals who are not directly answerable to you can become a serious problem.
Centofanti: Believe the district needs to be creative in all jobs created in the schools. Make sure we utilize the right staff for the right job. Would prefer to never outsource a position.
7. School be closed at least a half-day on prom day to give teens a chance to get ready.
Agree: Martinez.
Disagree: Soisson, Zdroik.
Undecided: Boguszewski, Centofanti.
Boguszewski: School district should be fair to all graduates. This decision should be made based on how the students feels.
Centofanti: I know the students attending would be happy. Not sure it is necessary to give permission to leave school since the day ends at 2:30. I believe it would need to be a personal decision made by the family.
Martinez: Agree that only those high school juniors or seniors who are attending the prom should have early dismissal. In any event, if I do not support early dismissal, my three daughters would chastise me severely.
Soisson: While I do not mind there being an in-service day on prom day, I do not feel it is an absolute necessity for high school students to have a district-wide day or half-day off when only a portion of the district is participating. I am open to there being a half-day for high school students on prom day or for some portion of students who are attending the prom (at the whole grade level only). Preferably, I would make prom day a priority for the first unused snow day.
Zdroik: I do not see the need for this.
8. School should be open for more days in November.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Martinez, Soisson, Zdroik.
Undecided: Centofanti.
Boguszewski: The administration and board-approved calendar is appropriate.
Centofanti: I have heard positive feedback regarding the week off in November. It does appear like a lot of time off with the half-days and holiday.
Martinez: People seem comfortable with the current schedule.
Zdroik: The November break is good.
9. School needs to close earlier in June.
Agree: Martinez.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti.
Undecided: Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: The administration and board-approved calendar is appropriate.
Martinez: Although you cannot predict the weather, the calendar needs some flexibility in order to meet the required number of school days.
Centofanti: I believe the calendar is similar to other school districts and camp schedules. Need to be mindful of how much time parents can get from work and the resources they have for childcare.
Soisson: Many of our schools or portions of them get hot if it is hot outside and it is very difficult to work or learn in those conditions. I think that we need to be creative with respect to school start, breaks, holidays and in-service days so that we could potentially end school earlier. However, there are many factors at play, including contracts, religious holidays, etc. ’I am very interested to see if there are different ways to approach these issues.
Zdroik: Need more information on all possibilities.
10. I think the number of hours for classroom instruction should be ——— (shortened, lengthened or kept the same).
Keep same: Centofanti, Martinez.
Undecided: Boguszewski, Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: This should be a decision that is made by collaboration with the teachers’ union, administration and Board of Education as a whole.
Centofanti: I do not have an issue with the schedule nor have I heard any complaints.
Martinez: I’d keep the same time schedule and I would rely on the professional staff to determine the amount of time needed to deliver the educational program.
Zdroik: Need more information on all possibilities.
11. There’s too much attention on extracurricular activities.
Disagree: All five disagree.
Martinez: Extracurricular activities are very important to a balanced education, which contributes to the development of a well-rounded citizen.
Centofanti: Extra-curricular activities are a personal choice that students and parents make. I believe that children should do something they love and create a schedule that the student can handle. It does not take the place of academic priorities.
Zdroik: This is an important part of education.
Boguszewski: I believe there is a healthy balance between the instructional program and extra-curricular activities.
12. Technology is the way to go to improve student learning.
Agree: All five agree.
Boguszewski: Technology along with reduced class sizes is the appropriate recipe for the success of all of our children.
Martinez: With a caveat. Technology only provides value in the hands of a qualified teacher. Technology plays a significant part, not only by providing “smart” classrooms and distance learning capabilities, but a highly educated, well-trained and creative teacher is the catalyst to providing the stimulating environment needed for student learning.
Centofanti: I believe technology can enhance teaching and learning. For some it may be more beneficial than others.
Soisson: I am uncomfortable with the word “the” here. I agree that it is certainly “a” way to improve learning. I agree that the overhead interactive projectors of the past several years are very helpful and a good step forward. The pilot programs using tablets in some of the math and science courses are of great interest to me and will give us a good understanding of the impact of tablets in the classroom. I think we need to recruit and maintain a great staff as well and provide training opportunities to the staff.
Zdroik: This is one way that learning could be improved, but we need to explore all ways.
13. The school district should give teachers more training and time off to learn how to use technology in the classroom.
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez, Zdroik.
Undecided: Soisson.
Boguszewski: Professional development for our teachers is essential.
Centofanti: We need to train the staff to use whatever technology and equipment we bring into the district, just like any curriculum revisions. I like that there is a model to do more train-the-trainer.
Martinez: Opportunities should be maximized to provide in-service training for staff in technology as it relates to the delivery of the program.
Soisson: If teachers feel they need more training opportunities, in-service days could certainly be structured to provide those opportunities. I disagree with giving time off for training.
Zdroik: Agree that they should get more training, but we should use the in-service time.
14. Substitute teachers should be paid more, perhaps $—- per day. (Fill in amount).
Agree: All five agree.
Boguszewski: The recently approved increase in substitute pay for the proposed 2012-13 budget is appropriate.
Centofanti: The pay was raised to $90 in the budget. I believe that there should be different levels of compensation for the job a substitute is asked to perform. Someone teaching a class for eight weeks should not be compensated the same as someone covering a class for four hours.
Martinez: A reasonable amount for our district is $90 a day. Our substitute teachers have been paid $80 a day for many years while other districts have raised their rates. It is important to obtain the best qualified and most experienced substitutes to maintain continuity of instruction. Our district should be competitive.
Soisson: I believe $100 per day is standard in the area.
Zdroik: $100 per day, which is in line with other towns around us.
15. Our class sizes in the —— grades (fill in grades) are too large and should be brought down to a maximum of (give suggested number) per class.
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez.
Undecided: Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: Our class sizes in the elementary level should be brought down to a max of 22.
Centofanti: The elementary class size of 25-plus is difficult to manage when trying to do reading groups, experiments and small-group projects. I have lectured for large classes in nursing and it is difficult to engage students and ensure adequate learning. The ideal would be 20-22.
Martinez: Generally, class sizes above 25 students diminish adequate learning. I would listen to the recommendations of those who run the district on a day-to-day basis. There should be sufficient teachers to flexibly address the need as it arises.
Soisson: I am unaware of current class sizes at the elementary levels. I believe that is the critical age group to prioritize for any changes in class size.
Zdroik: Undecided. Need more information on all possibilities.
16. I would vote to move the school candidates’ election to the November ballot and eliminate the April vote on the budget tax levy. (The school budget would by definition have to be under the two percent tax levy.)
Agree: Soisson, Zdroik.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez.
Boguszewski: We should not take the public right to vote away from our community.
Centofanti: I am happy the current school board chose to work together to put together a budget addressing strategic goals and allowing the public to have a vote.
Martinez: If there were unintended negative consequences, the district would be unable to move elections back to April for four years. Also, this November is a presidential election year; the expected highly politicized atmosphere would tend to overly impact school elections. In my opinion, residents’ opportunity to vote on the budget should not be taken away at this time.
Soisson: With only a very small portion of voters coming out in the April election, I do not believe that it is worth the money to maintain that election. I believe that since the 2 percent cap is in place, taxpayers are protected against a large increase in taxes. It seems to be a common sense way of saving money while increasing public input into elections of school board members.
Zdroik: I definitely agree with the first part. We could save the cost of a separate election by moving it. On the budget, I believe that the two-percent cap would normally be fair, but that could be examined further.
17. I will vote for the proposed school budget tax levy on April 17.
Agree: All five agree.
18. The district should prepare a contingency plan to pay a charter school that would draw a significant number of students (and money from the budget) from the district.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez.
Undecided: Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: We should comply only if the state mandates putting funds into reserve for charter schools. It is my opinion that the per-student cost in charter schools is larger than the public schools’ per-student cost.
Centofanti: I believe the district has a great reputation and should put its resources into continually evaluating and improving the education of the students.
Martinez: Financial support for charter schools should come from other sources than public school budgets. I also support legislation requiring a local vote before the establishment of any charter school that would serve our district.
19. The district should hold graduation out of town at a large indoor air-conditioned facility.
Agree: Centofanti,
Disagree: Soisson, Zdroik.
Undecided: Boguszewski, Martinez.
Boguszewski: The district should survey all parents, community business teachers and students to determine what is best regarding this question.
Centofanti: Students and families wait 12 years for graduation. I think the district should explore different venues for this special day. The last thing you want to do is scramble and put together plan B for an important event.
Martinez: If graduation can be held in those conditions at no additional cost, I would consider holding graduation in another location.
Soisson: While it may be inconvenient if weather interferes with commencement, I do not think that taxpayer dollars should be spent this way. I say this having had my own high school graduation ceremony moved into the high school gym. It was still a wonderful experience. I know that perhaps not everyone who could attend an outdoor ceremony would be able to attend in person. With technology, I believe that we could ensure that everyone who wanted to see graduation would have the opportunity and perhaps with a better view.
Zdroik: That seems to me to be an unneeded expense, however, I would be open to discussing it further.
20. We need to continue a preschool after-school program called Child At Play and market it more aggressively.
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez.
Undecided: Soisson, Zdroik.
Boguszewski: The Child at Play program is a great revenue source. I would like to see rates reduced for parents so more children can participate.
Centofanti: I believe that the program met a need this first year. As with all programs I believe you need to continually evaluate the benefit to the community and the school.
Martinez: The CAP kindergarten-level program has been a success and is expanding. With these types of program, word of mouth is the generally the most aggressive marketing, but other options could be considered if costs are held to a minimum. This year there were about 30 students and already this number is close to doubling for the next school year.
Soisson: I do think we need to look at new ways to bring money into the school district, but don’t have enough information here.
Zdroik: Need more information on all possibilities.
21. The district should start an evening adult education program. It should make money/not be concerned with making money.
Agree: Centofanti, Martinez, Zdroik.
Undecided: Boguszewski, Soisson.
Centofanti: Learning is a life-long experience. I think both the school district and community can only benefit by working together.
Martinez: My understanding is that steps are being taken to launch an evening adult education program in 2013. In my opinion a GED program should be included. I support such a for-profit initiative. Under certain circumstances, I would also consider reaching out to neighboring businesses for volunteer professional partnerships to participate as faculty.
Soisson: Agree, as long as it provides a zero or positive dollar impact.
Zdroik: Agree, as long as it makes money or is at least break-even.
22. The district’s scores on state-mandated standardized tests are too low.
Agree: Soisson, Zdroik.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez.
Boguszewski: The district should continue to develop strategies to increase student achievement.
Centofanti: Tests are one measure of learning. I do worry that the state-mandated curriculum changes can impact scores. The tests are written, statistically validated and assembled based on the current curriculum blueprint. It takes multiple tests do know if the question is valid and testing what is being measured.
Martinez: Historically, New Jersey has ranked in the top 5 out of the 50 states in educational ranking. Hillsborough has ranked among the top quartile of school districts in New Jersey. However, there is always room for growth and improvement. I support all efforts of our staff in seeking further improvement.
Soisson: I would like to see Hillsborough perform better in comparison to other districts in the same district factor group. I would especially like to see the percentage of students scoring in the Advanced Proficient range increase. A district’s performance is a determining factor when families are selecting where to live. We want to maintain and increase Hillsborough’s reputation as a great place to raise families.
Zdroik: I would like to see us ranked much higher in the state. We are a great town and I believe that we should have top-notch schools.
23. Standardized test scores should play a big part in evaluating teacher performance and determining tenure.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Martinez, Soisson.
Undecided: Zdroik.
Boguszewski: Not every teacher has the same teaching ability, and not every student learns the same way.
Centofanti: Many factors should play into an evaluation. A score on a test is only one indicator of learning. Some students have test anxiety and do not perform well.
Martinez: Students do not benefit from an overemphasis on standardized test results and teachers cannot be reliably evaluated on that basis.
Zdroik: 23. Undecided, need more information on all possibilities.
24. The district should do more for children in the special education program.
Agree: Boguszewski.
Disagree: Centofanti, Martinez, Soisson.
Undecided: Zdroik.
Boguszewski: The district should also look into increasing programs for special education and general education as well.
Centofanti: I believe the district needs to provide a good education for all students with and without an individualized education plan (IEP). Everyone has a different learning style. For students with an IEP, the district needs to ensure the variety of services are being met. The district has a wonderful reputation for working with these students to keep them in district and save thousands of dollars.
Martinez: Hillsborough’s special education program has an excellent reputation throughout the state and it provides an extensive array of special services. Currently, approximately 15 percent of the students in our district receive benefits of special education. Providing these services is in the best interest of all, since it is socially and economically more desirable to educate students in-district.
Soisson: Undecided; Hillsborough is consistently recognized for our wonderful special education program. I would need more information to make a recommendation on programs or funding levels.
Zdroik: I have not seen the data for this area so I would need more information.
25. The current student drug testing should be dropped or substantially modified.
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Soisson, Zdroik.
Undecided: Martinez.
Boguszewski: Unless the administration can provide the board with facts on how the current program reduces student drug abuse, I believe we should look at ways to address this concern with out costing the tax payers additional funds.
Centofanti: I personally do not agree with the program that was federally mandated. Overall, the statistics do not show a benefit to random drug testing. I cannot answer this question fully without additional information and would need to see the data for Hillsborough.
Martinez: With respect to the current random drug testing policy, before making a decision on this policy, the program should be evaluated.
Soisson: This program has been under way for several years now and data are available to make decision about whether it is assisting in identification of at-risk students.