By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
Students from the high school, the two middle schools and Monmouth Junction Elementary School paid tribute to Board of Education members’ Monday night to commemorate New Jersey’s Board of Education Appreciation Month.¶
"They operate a nearly $140 million corporation and they do it as volunteers," Superintendent Dr. Gary McCartney said. "They represent this community’s educational interests. The importance of the task cannot be overrated."¶
Dr. McCartney listed the variety of areas that the board is responsible for including finances, curriculum and policy decisions.¶
Part of those areas, Dr. McCartney said, will also involve negotiating contracts with eight different collective bargaining groups and crafting the annual budget for 2012-2013 that will be voted on during the school elections this April.¶
According to Dr. McCartney, the board will also work on refinancing the 2002 referendum bond issue that could save the district millions in interest costs and also work with Middlesex County on a "solar power initiative" that would bring the technology to some district buildings.¶
"I can’t think of a more important volunteer job anywhere," Dr. McCartney said. "Nothing has more importance than educating the next generation of students."¶
Ten students from Monmouth Junction Elementary School presented board members with framed text art pieces using words representing the various responsibilities of the members.¶
Each piece presented to the members was unique, according to the students making the presentation.¶
One student from each of the two middle schools presented board members with a video DVD of concerts in both of those schools.¶
Board member Arthur Robinson said that he drives to Virginia often and that he would use the DVD during the trip.¶
"I will use the (Crossroads) South on my way south and the (Crossroads) North on my way north," Mr. Robinson said.¶
Crossroads South Middle School Student Council President Sophia Balsalmo especially thanked the board for enacting the harassment and bullying policy this year.¶
"As a former victim of bullying, nothing made prouder than when this board put forth a zero tolerance bullying policy," Sophia said. "The HIB law will prevent many cases of emotional scarring and save many lives."¶
Students from the high school’s Technology Students Association also presented the board members with handmade gifts and thanked them for its support.¶
Members of the association showed off architecual models made by the students that won state and national recognition.¶
The club is made up of students interested in fashion, architecture, and engineering.¶
Fashions based on Walt Disney’s "Lion King" also won the association national recognition.¶
"We serve here because we believe that for a community to thrive, Its members must take part of its civic responsibility," Board President Dr. Stephen Parker said. "We serve on this board because we believe in the value of education and we recognize the importance of preparing our students for the future."
