From the issue of April 5, 2007.
Come check out the public library
To the editor:
During the week of April 15, schools, campuses and communities across the country celebrate National Library Week. This is a time to remind the public about the contribution libraries, librarians and library workers make to their communities every day.
Libraries are the places where everyone regardless of age, race or income is welcome. Students come to the library to learn critical research skills and to find a place to study with friends. Parents and guardians introduce their children to books and the wonders of reading.
Many people keep in touch with family and friends across the country using free Internet access. Job seekers get connected with resources to help them land their next interview. Students and the inquisitive tap into the databases, journals and other resources to find current, credible, reliable and relevant information for answers to their questions.
What makes the library unique is that it provides access to skilled professionals librarians to everyone. Librarians help everyone find and interpret the information that makes a difference in their lives.
Here are some of the ways our library is helping to transform our community:
45 online data bases covering such diverse topics as antiques, auto repair, business, genealogy, medicine, science and more;
Adult programs on topics ranging from Lenape Indians, the Delaware & Raritan Canal, belly-dancing and yoga;
Programs showing new release movies on DVD;
Programs for newborns, toddlers, and school age children;
Homework Help Center for Math and English;
Teen Center and Teen Advisory Board;
Downloadable e-books;
and of course books, periodicals, newspapers, audio books, music and DVDs.
How can the library help transform your life? National Library Week is the perfect time to find out. Everyone is encouraged to visit the library during National Library Week either in person or online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us.
On behalf of the Library Advisory Board, Somerset County Library System and the entire staff of the Hillsborough Public Library thank you for your continued support and the opportunity to serve this community.
Edward Hoag
Director,
Hillsborough Public Library
‘Misleading’ letter should be resent
To the editor:
I just received the March 2007 e-news from Hillsborough Township and I can’t believe the audacity of our municipal officials.
The headline reads "2007 Hillsborough budget delivers services with 1.4 percent increase in taxes" and goes on to state "Last year’s $2.86 total Hillsborough tax rate will see the municipal portion rise by 4 cents or 1.4 percent."
Our municipal officials either never passed their math classes or are hoping we will only read the headline and are content to mislead the electorate.
So is it a lack of integrity or a lack of competence?
The first part of their statement is correct a Hillsborough homeowner’s total tax rate last year was $2.86. This includes school, county, fire, open space and .36 cents of local tax to run township government.
The increase in the municipal portion of our tax bill is proposed to be 3.8 cents per hundred of assessed valuation. This is over a 10.5 percent increase in our local tax (3.8 divided by 36) not the 1.4 percent that the township politicos are trying to slip by us.
This was, according to the newsletter, "what Mayor Anthony Ferrera called an unavoidable 1.4 percent tax hike in property tax bills."
I find it hard to believe that a 10.5 percent increase is unavoidable.
Mayor Ferrera, I challenge you not only to come clean with the people of Hillsborough and reissue the e-news with the correct figure in the headline, but also to sharpen you pencil and bring this tax increase down to the 1.4 percent that you advertised.
Only in this way will you put "truth back in your advertising."
Lois Bennett
River Road
Schools need change
To the editor:
During the past few weeks, I have read several editorials in the Beacon and watched last week’s televised debate about the upcoming school board election on April 17.
As a longtime resident of Hillsborough, I found it refreshing to hear some new and well-thought-out ideas about how to save taxpayer dollars and provide Hillsborough students with an excellent education.
I was particularly impressed with the suggestions about sharing services and resources more effectively. In fact, I think it is a fantastic idea for Hillsborough to consider incorporating into its curriculum successful programs and initiatives used by towns like Montgomery and Princeton, where students consistently score higher on SATs and standardized proficiency tests. I also like the idea of cooperative purchasing and using Somerset County as a valuable resource.
At this point however, the singular most important function of the Board of Education is to find a new superintendent of schools who has a clear vision and commitment to this community. I am very concerned that it appears as if only a select few of the current board members will have the opportunity to choose our next superintendent when it is clear that the entire board should make a decision of this magnitude.
In light of these concerns and after careful consideration of each candidate, I am convinced that the Hillsborough Board of Education needs a change in direction and leadership, so on April 17th my vote is for Frank Blandino, John Donnadio and Gregory Gillette.
Joe Boylan
Mallard Road
Experience needed on school board
To the editor:
I looked in the last Beacon to see the usual description of each school board candidate, along with their general ideas and outlook for our school’s future. Since there are several new names that I do not recognize, I would like to have a better idea of the choices at hand. Hopefully this information will be published for us in the next Beacon, so that we can make informed choices.
I did see the board meeting on the local channel last night, and was concerned that during a time when so many important items are on the agenda, such as the search for a new superintendent, that seemingly unseasoned candidates would possibly take the place of some very strong board members that we have now.
One candidate actually commented that he could not understand the budget. I don’t know if it is a good idea to have someone voted onto the board that would need so much extra time to learn about the basics, before being a contributing member of the board.
I also am concerned that one candidate, Frank Blandino, is also currently the town’s prosecutor. I can think of quite a few school related issues that would make that combination volatile, along with not being completely focused on school issues only.
I do know however, that when I listen to these meetings that one person stands out as our greatest ally. Judy Haas has been vocal about so many of the issues that touch our children directly. I personally have seen Mrs. Haas in action. When a second grade class was about to move up to the third grade, and their numbers were much to great to work into a school that had only four current teachers for the third grade, Mrs. Haas fought tooth and nail to get an extra 3rd grade opened. These are instances that need fast and swift action.
These are times when we count on our representatives to get the job done. This is all about the kids, right? Mrs. Haas knows and feels this as deeply as we parents do. The experience is great, the know how is great, but action when we have an immediate concern directly in the classroom, is essential. Judy is the person we can all count on to get the job done, and to think of the kids first.
I also know that Ed Plaskon and Steve Sloan have been on the board for quite sometime, and know how the system works. Their expertise in working to get the right person for the superintendent’s position is a big asset.
I would hate to see all of this experience lost at a time when we need it the most. Let’s make sure we keep all of the experience we can on the board.
Eileen Gonzalez
Matrick Court
Challengers offer new insights
To the editor:
As a parent of children enrolled in the Hillsborough school system, I encourage all residents to vote for Frank Blandino, John Donnadio and Greg Gillette for the Hillsborough Township Board of Education.
As challengers, Mr. Blandino, Mr. Donnadio and Mr. Gillette bring new ideas and insight on how to address the problems faced by the board of education.
There are two issues, which, in my opinion, set Mr. Blandino, Mr. Donnadio and Mr. Gillette apart from the incumbents.
First, Mr. Blandino, Mr. Donnadio and Mr. Gillette understand Hillsborough students deserve a first-rate education. In comparison to Montgomery Township, Hillsborough spends more per student per classroom yet consistently tests below Montgomery. Our parents and our students deserve to know why this disparity exists and need to have strong leaders to draft a plan that would put Hillsborough on par with the premier school systems in this state.
Second, the path of excellence begins with the commitment and consistency of leadership. After having spent untold effort and costs in selecting a superintendent just three short years ago, the current board finds itself in the position of conducting; the same expensive search yet again.
Can we, as taxpayers, rely on the current board to serve our best interests?
Mr. Blandino, Mr. Donnadio and Mr. Gillette support an open process for the selection of a school superintendent. The position of Mr. Blandino, Mr. Donnadio and Mr. Gillette would maximize the parent and taxpayer input while ensuring that Hillsborough employs the most qualified candidate for the job.
On April 17, remember that Hillsborough needs Blandino, Donnadio and Gillette.
William Dunn
Wallace Boulevard
Judy Haas deserves votes
To the editor:
I am writing in support of the candidacy of Judy Haas for the Board of Education.
Mrs. Haas has served this community well as a board member for the past three years. She is diligent, compassionate, fair, and most important of all, an independent thinker. She does not hesitate to ask the tough questions, and she expects answers.
This is the type of person we need to ensure that we as a community deliver the best possible education to all our children in a fiscally responsible manner.
I saw the debate on Channel 14, and all of the challengers were very badly prepared to talk about school issues, much less to do anything.
Mrs. Haas and the other incumbents had to constantly correct the wrong information that the inexperienced candidates put out. With our superintendent leaving soon, this is no time for amateurs. We need people on the board who know what they are doing.
Also, two of the new candidates have terrible voting records in school board elections. This is public information, and very distressing. This does not demonstrate to me any long standing commitment to our schools or our community.
As a member of the board of education, Mrs. Haas spends innumerable hours researching and reviewing the issues that come to the board for action. Her open-mindedness brings new ideas to the table. She supports teachers and students alike in trying to create a climate of excellence in the educational arena. Being a board member takes time and dedication, Mrs. Haas has shown that she will put forth both.
Mrs. Haas’ dedication to our school community has been an asset to the board for the past three years. I believe she deserves all our support in this year’s election.
Please join me in voting for Judy Haas on April 17.
Elisa Duch
HIllsborough
School budget ‘one of the best’
To the editor:
I write this letter with the full realization that New Jersey residents bear one of the most burdensome levels of property taxes in the country. Yet I urge my fellow residents to come out and vote yes for the school budget.
This year’s budget is the best in years. Our school district benefited from a modest increase in state aid the first increase in a long time. We have also benefited from some excellent work on the part of the school administration and the School Board Finance Committee, Judy Haas, Neil Hudes and Steve Sloan, and Board President, Ed Plaskon, who worked tirelessly to maintain all of our programs, preserve necessary maintenance, avoid cuts in staff, and retain our current class size guidelines.
As a member of the Board of Education, I have seen dozens upon dozens of cuts to the original budget, yet I am impressed that the final budget continues to reflect the driving force for board decision-making don’t hurt the kids.
This budget allows us to pay all of our mandated costs salaries and benefits, fuel, insurance, etc., that are reflected in the overall increase in the cost of living.
Yet the proposed budget increase is less than that cost, a testament to how hard people have worked to balance investment in our children with our ability to pay.
When you vote for the budget on April 17, please keep in mind these facts:
The Hillsborough School District continues to have one of the lowest administrative costs in New Jersey.
Our district continues to deliver an excellent education to more than 7,500 children at a cost per pupil that is significantly lower than the State average.
Our district devotes a greater percentage of our budget to classroom instruction than any of the surrounding districts in our area.
This year, many school districts are asking voters for a tax increase. Yet our request is the lowest in the area. You can check this out in the countless stories that have appeared in this and other newspapers, and in the 2007 Comparative Spending Guide, posted on the district’s Web site: www.hillsborough.k12.nj.us.
Even with the small increase in state aid this year, I hope the state and federal governments will do more down the road to invest in our children’s education.
But until they do, the burden falls on us. Nobody likes to pay more taxes, but after health and safety, what is more important than education? I hope you will agree with me that this year’s budget is reasonable and appropriate, and that the children of Hillsborough are worth it.
Please voice your support for Hillsborough schools by voting yes on the budget on April 17.
Marc Rosenberg
Dubois Round
The writer is a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education.
Support Plaskon, school budget
To the editor:
I have been on the Hillsborough Board of Education for 12 years, currently serving as board president. I would like to thank the voters of Hillsborough for putting their trust in me for providing the educational direction for their children and for overseeing the efficient use of their tax dollars.
Quality education balanced with fiscal responsibility. This has been the direction of the community and of the Hillsborough Board of Education. The 2007 2008 budget is the lowest increase in over 12 years ($1.7 million and a 1.7 percent increase). This year’s budget maintains: class size, all existing programs and classes, current transportation routes, services for students requiring special education programs, current staff, and extra-curricular and sports programs.
Hillsborough’s per pupil cost spending of $10,463 is below the state average of $12,098 by $1,635. Some per pupil costs of surrounding communities are: Bridgewater $11,626; Franklin $12,102; and Somerville at $13,039.
Hillsborough spends its dollars wisely with over 63 percent of the budget on classroom instruction (one of the highest in the county) while minimizing dollars spent on administration salaries and benefits (the lowest in the county), utilities, and other non-classroom line items.
Hillsborough saves the taxpayers’ money by using shared services and running an efficient school district.
We are constantly trying to raise the bar for our students and improve/update the curriculum. Results show that the class of 2006 had over 90 percent of its students continuing their education at two- or four-year colleges. The students received over $2.5 million in scholarships, had a SAT mean of 1,117 (571 in Math, 546 in Verbal). There were five National Merit Scholars, 19 National Merit Commended students and 57 Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars (top 10 percent of their class and SAT score of 1260 or higher).
The Hillsborough Marching Band, the Robotics team, the Mock Trial team and Model UN teams have won numerous team and individual awards.
Our sports teams have excelled at the team and individual levels, winning conference, county and state championships.
In the next few months Hillsborough will select a superintendent to replace Dr. Karen Lake who is retiring with over 39 years in education. On March 5th, the district held a community forum at the middle school to gather input on what the community is looking for in a superintendent and the issues facing the Hillsborough school district.
A survey was also available on the district Web site soliciting input from those unable to attend the forum. Choosing the superintendent who is the education leader and CEO of the school district is one of the most important decisions that a board, and my experience on the board will be critical in helping the board identify a great candidate and negotiating the terms of employment.
Let’s continue to maintain what we have and continuing to improve the school district.
On April 17, please vote yes on the school budget and re-elect Ed Plaskon (line 5) to the Board of Education.
Ed Plaskon
Hillsborough
The writer is a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education seeking re-election to the board on April 17.
Write-in hopeful lacks experience
To the editor:
I am writing this letter in response to the recent letters to the editor written by Jim Quirico. Mr. Quirico is representing himself as a write-in candidate for a position on the Hillsborough Township Board of Education.
While I appreciate your sense of ambition and enthusiasm, Mr. Quirico, I am uncertain that you are speaking with any knowledge or experience in these matters, particularly in special education.
I do know factually that the current members of the board and the other individuals seeking election, aside from you; are all parents. Are you a parent, Mr. Quirico? I do know factually, that there are members currently on the Board and on the ballot to run, having children with special needs. Do you have a special needs child Mr. Quirico?
Well, I do. I have three. So for you to say, the system is not broken and that if you were elected, children would not be sent out of district, is absurd. In the perfect world, we all would love inclusion for our children.
However, sometimes the differences are just too great to force inclusion, and the challenges wind up being too difficult for the child to manage. There are specialized supports that come with out of district placement that in-district placement, here or anywhere else, is just unable to simulate. Having the opportunity of utilizing those supports in specialized placement could ultimately be the difference in that child’s lifetime success.
So unless you have a child with special needs, or have been to more IEP’s than birthday parties or you pray for your health everyday because you know that your children will need a lifetime of advocacy for their rights; then please don’t speak for me or my children, Mr. Quirico. Instead of telling us what you would do if you were elected, why don’t you tell us what you have actually done?
Have you ever consistently volunteered for anything? In what ways have you contributed to your community? Have you ever gone to an IEP? Are you aware of all of the laws regarding special education? Have you ever developed or worked on multi-million dollar budget? How about contract labor union negotiations?
And you are seeking a to step into a position where you will decide what is best for my children? I don’t think so.
I strongly doubt that Mr. Quirico understands the scope and magnitude of disabilities that affect the children in our community. I also don’t feel that he is experienced enough to know what it takes to educate a special needs child or effectively set the policies for education within our school district as a whole.
Frank Blandino, Gregory Gillette and John Donnadio are better-qualified individuals who are newly seeking election for school board. These are people who are parents and professionals with real experience, who have taken the matter seriously enough to go through the effort to be on the ballot.
Beth Baldwin
Tally Ho Trail
Elect experienced board members
To the editor:
The school board candidate forum on March 28 provided the public with a clear distinction between the incumbents and the challengers. The incumbents have almost 22 years of board experience combined, not including volunteer work on advisory committees.
The three challengers never attended a board meeting nor served on a school advisory committee.
The challengers did not even bother to review the proposed budget even though it’s been on our Web site for weeks.
They didn’t know that the board already purchases energy in group consortiums, shares transportation with the County Education Services Commission, shares the municipal building for the central district office staff, shares the archive room records storage, shares snow removal on township sidewalks contiguous to our schools and shares our inclusive recreation program known as Camp Heart.
The challengers have failed to come up with any realistic proposals to increase shared services. I will continue to come up with ideas and solutions in order to increase sharing and reduce costs.
It was my idea to use the archive room for school record storage and this is being done today at no additional cost to the district or the township.
Our administrative spending remains among the lowest in the entire state. The Comparative Spending Guide published by the Department of Education shows that the Hillsborough School District 2006-07 budget has our administrative cost per pupil as the sixth lowest of any K-12 school district with at least 3,500 pupils in the entire state.
Our administrative-student ratio is the eighth lowest in the state.
The 2007-08 budget proposal is the best budget we’ve had in years. A modest tax increase of 2.76 percent and a conservative total budget increase of 1.7 percent is enough to allow the district to continue all of its curricular, extra-curricular and co-curricular programs with some modest initiatives in science and technology to fulfill our commitment to our 5-year Curriculum Review Cycle. Class sizes will remain reasonable and equitable across the grades.
Our capital projects designed to maintain all nine schools are being done without bonding. Our debt payment has been lowered, saving money and keeping with our "pay as you go" philosophy.
We will be hiring a new superintendent and going through a transition process during the 2007-08 school year.
By reelecting the incumbents for Hillsborough school board, the district would benefit from my experience as well as the experience of Judy Haas and Ed Plaskon.
Interviewing the two finalists in public session with participation by our stakeholders will make this process more transparent and result in an increase in the public’s confidence that the board selected the right candidate.
The community deserves continuity and experience during this time of transition to a new superintendent.
This is the wrong time to vote in the inexperienced challengers keep Sloan, Haas and Plaskon on the school board. Please vote yes for the budget and re-elect the incumbents to another term on the Board of Education.
Steve Sloan
Wolfe Drive
The writer is a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education seeking re-election to the board on April 17.
No drugs found during HHS ‘sweep’
To the editor:
On March 8 a letter appeared in your "Letters to the Editor" section that was submitted by Jim Quirico of Amwell Road. The letter expressed Mr. Quirico’s concerns with our school system and Board of Education. I would like to clarify some of the information provided concerning the drug "sweep" that was conducted by the Hillsborough Police Department (and other agencies) at the Hillsborough High School. After receiving several inquiries, it is my desire to address some of the inaccurate comments concerning the actions of the Police Department.
In his letter, Mr. Quirico referenced that the "drug sweep" that occurred at the high school "that apparently turned up nothing" according to school administrators. Mr. Quirico continues and relates that he had spoken with "members of the staff, students, and other members of the community" who informed him that "contrary" to the statements made by school administrators, drugs were in fact found and people were taken into custody.
The truth of the matter is that a canine sweep, which was planned months in advance, was conducted at our high school on Feb. 9, 2006, and absolutely no drugs were found, nor was anyone taken into custody. A student was taken into custody the day before the drug sweep for marijuana possession but that incident had nothing to do with the drug sweep. The sweep was handled properly and conducted exactly how state mandates say they must be done. The canines "sniffed" all school lockers and randomly selected classrooms that the students had been moved out of, following NJ State guidelines that prohibit the canines having any direct contact with the students.
It was also unreasonable to deny the use of restrooms during the sweep. Students who did request to use the bathroom were escorted by a school staff member of the same sex to a predetermined restroom.
An additional overriding goal of a "sweep" is deterrence. The main objective is to communicate to the student body that drugs absolutely will not be tolerated and the police and school officials will do everything legally possible to prevent them from being brought on a campus. It is also important to note that members of the Police Department attended the Board of Education meeting that followed the sweep. They were available to answer any questions and address any concerns our community had over the "sweep."
Although I applaud anyone who takes an aggressive stance on illegal drug use and the security within our school systems, I believe it is important to communicate accurate facts to Hillsborough residents.
Paul A. Kaminsky
Chief of Police
Hillsborough Police Department
Haas vows to ‘walk the walk’
To the editor:
The success of our school district requires a Board of Education with knowledgeable, caring and dedicated people.
These people must understand the complex needs of all children in a rapidly changing world. They must understand school finances and governance. They must be able to communicate and engage the community in support of the schools. They must appreciate great teachers and recognize excellent leadership.
I am running for re-election to the board because I believe that I possess the qualities, education, experience, energy, and enthusiasm to continue to serve our district well and move our district forward.
Please let me tell you what I have done during my three years on the board, and will continue to do. I have been a strong advocate for a high-quality, well-rounded education that allows all students to reach their maximum potential.
I fought to continually improve our educational offerings and student achievement levels, while maintaining reasonable class sizes and providing additional resources for those who need extra help. I worked to have credible, responsible budgets that maximized instructional funding and minimized administrative costs, while keeping our budget increments within the cost of living.
I promoted communication through newsletters, enhancements to Channel 14, creation of an electronic alert system, and installation of a cost-saving Web site with important information, news and interactive features.
I have always supported our teachers, because I know how much effort they put forth for our kids.
Currently, I am very involved in the search for a new superintendent, and pledge to leave no stone unturned to assure the best possible selection.
My background enhances my participation on the board. I have a bachelor’s in Political Science and Communications, and a master’s degree in Public Administration. I held several high level positions in New York City government over 18 years, with responsibility for millions of dollars and thousands of employees.
I also served as Hillsborough’s township administrator and know this community well.
Equally important is the time spent as a full-time mom, step-mom, grandmother, class parent, PTA/HSA member, advisory committee member, life skills presenter, chaperone, reading volunteer, and baseball, basketball and soccer coach.
I currently serve as vice-president of the board. I work extremely hard, attend many classes, research every issue, and make myself accessible to residents at any time.
I listen well, and I speak out. I am independent, and have never rubberstamped anything. I "walk the walk," keep my promises, and put my words into action.
I have accomplished many goals, and have a new set ready to go. I will always strive for an excellent academic and co-curricular program, with progressive curriculum, appropriate resources, good communication, public support, wonderful teachers, and committed leadership, so that our great kids will have the great future they deserve.
In education, our work is never done. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue my efforts.
I hope you will vote for me on April 17.
Judy Haas
Titus Court
The writer is a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education seeking re-election to the board on April 17.