Candidates Forum, March 28

CANDIDATES FORUM, March 28

By:
Susan Carter

Reginald Luke

Richard Specht

Montgomery Township Board of Education
   
On April 15, Montgomery Township residents will have the opportunity to vote for three candidates to serve on the Montgomery Township Board of Education. The three of us are seeking re-election to the board. We have dedicated the time and energy to insure our schools are operated effectively and have the experience to deal with the continued challenges facing the district.
   As residents know from articles in local newspapers and the Board of Education Report included in the township newsletter, the district continues to improve and demonstrate significant accomplishments in academics, athletics and the arts. This year, we achieved the third-highest SAT scores in the state, our students won the statewide Science Olympiad and the Consumer Bowl competitions and our students have been selected to participate in state bands, choruses and orchestras.
   However, educational excellence is not simply a list of statistics and awards. What is important is the strong curriculum and the teaching strategies that allow all of our students to learn and succeed. At Tuesday’s school board meeting, the board received an assessment report on four of the district’s goals for the current year. One of these goals is to "continue to increase the use of classroom strategies that support differentiated instruction for all students." The board heard the progress the district is making to respond to differences in individual student readiness, interest and learning needs. This is an example of the policies and priorities that we have supported as board members.
   Maintaining high-quality education for all children in our district is our highest priority. Included in that priority is the importance of a learning atmosphere that is nurturing, supportive and safe. However, we will face challenges in the years ahead in meeting this goal.
   • Our district continues to operate efficiently and deliver educational excellence. We spend $1,000 per student less than the state average. However, local property taxes have continued to increase. We support changes to secure proper state funding of special-education programs and increases in state aid based upon growth in the district.
   • We will work to guide the timely completion and start-up of the new high school. This is a major priority since it will provide important facilities for our students and reduce overcrowding.
   • Finally, enrollment in our schools continues to grow and we need to work proactively to maintain the quality and strengths of our educational programs.
   All of these challenges require board members with experience and insight. We have served multiple terms on the board and have the understanding and interest to lead our district through these demanding times.
   The reputation and vibrancy of our community is enhanced by the strengths and excellence of our schools. We believe we have contributed to the success of the district and are committed to work to further improve the educational opportunities and achievements Montgomery can provide. We ask for your support on April 15. Thank you.