By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Five candidates seeking election to the Board of Education difffer slightly on money issues they may face next year.
Brett Cooper disagreed with the proposal to bond to pay for two big-ticket items, repaving of the middle school parking lot and replacement of the surface on the athletic turf field.
Incumbent Lorraine Soisson was the only one of the five who declined to take the pledge to stay within the 2 percent cap on property tax increases caused by the school budget. She called it “irresponsible to make a pledge given that doing so may unduly compromise both children and the taxpayer.””
Three three-year terms are up for grabs. Seeking re-election are Ms. Soisson, Deena Centofanti and Dana Boguszewski. They are challenged by Thomas Zobele and Mr. Cooper.
The five candidates were each sent statements about the school system and asked to agree or disagree with each. Here is what they said:
Q. Voters should be asked for permission to borrow $2 million for turf field and middle school parking lot repairs, given that the district would most or all back in forms of state aid?
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Soisson, Zobele.
Disagree: Cooper.
Boguszewski: Taxpayers asked the school district to have a plan to save for the turf field refurbishment and our parking lots. Our district has done this by depositing $1.2 million into a capital reserve account. Voter approval to borrow $2 million for these projects would allow Hillsborough to secure $800,000 in state aid debt service. Combined with the $1.2 million this would pay off the whole $2 million loan in the first year, requiring no additional tax increase.
Centofanti: The district has saved $1.2 million in a capital reserve account for projects such as a new high school turf field and middle school parking lot repairs. Voter approval to borrow $2 million would allow us to secure $800,000 in state aid debt service to offset costs and pay off the loan within one year, requiring no additional tax increase.
Cooper: This is an unnecessary expense and if the school district is to take on more debt it should be for items related to education. It is also my understanding that there should be reserve funds set up when these two items were installed that would cover the cost of replacement at the end of their anticipated useful life. If truly needed, the field repairs should be part of the athletic budget and should be covered by the increase in ticket prices, so those who benefit from the field would bear the cost.
Soisson: Voters should be asked for permission via referendum. The referendum allows the district to receive state funding for a portion of the costs and saves us money if voters agree this should be pursued. Ultimately, we will have to make the repairs in either case.
Zobele: Whenever there are large projects such as the above mentioned, the taxpayer should always have a say. However, it is always prudent to find private sources of funding for projects like the turf field before going to the taxpayer.
Q. I pledge to stay with the 2-percent tax levy increase in the 2016-17 budget. Major projects that would mean a higher increase should be approved by voters in separate question.
Agree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Cooper, Zobele.
Disagree: Soisson.
Boguszewski: The state law already requires voter approval for a tax increase over 2 percent, so the pledge is not needed.
Centofanti: The law requires the district to stay within the 2-percent tax levy, which does not take into account expenditures for health care, pensions, states of emergency and increased school enrollment. Anything not included in this law would require taxpayer approval.
Cooper: The 2 percent tax levy increase is a maximum set by state law and I pledge to stay within that cap when possible to do so without compromising the education of our students.
Soisson: I base my decision making around the educational welfare of the children and strive to get the best education for all children with the funds available. The law is not a strict 2 percent cap as it allows for exceptions for things like health benefits costs, rising enrollment and states of emergency. I believe that it is irresponsible to make a pledge given that doing so may unduly compromise both children and the taxpayer. People want to live in Hillsborough because of the quality of our schools. That is why I moved here. Our home prices are rising and people will still want to move here as long as our schools continue to be among the best in the state and further the country.
Zobele: Agree: Principally, I believe in the 2 percent cap. Though it makes a board member’s job more challenging this is an important economic measure for all boards and towns in the state to live under. For major projects that would exceed the 2 percent cap, voters should have input.
Q. Schools should start later in the morning, while not cutting hours of instruction.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Zobele.
Undecided: Cooper, Centofanti, Soisson.
Boguszewski: Start time of our current schools provide transportation efficiency while allowing sufficient time for extra-curricular activities.
Centofanti: There is research to indicate that schools should start later. I would like the county to address this topic since the start time coordinates with many after-school activities. Additionally, we would need to address the transportation efficiency that was recently implemented with a substantial savings to the district.
Cooper: There is research indicating that later start times are beneficial to high school students. However, we would need to examine how this might impact the busing schedule and costs involved.
Soisson: Recent data suggest that high school students might benefit from classes starting later, but I would have to consider what changes would do to the budget and the availability and scheduling of extracurricular activities.
Zobele: The current system in place is working just fine because, even though kids complain about an early start time, it teaches them responsibility.
Q. The district needs to make lunch offerings more appealing to kids and be able to allow parents to monitor the items on which kids use their debit cards.
Agree: Soisson, Zobele.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Cooper.
Undecided: Centofanti
Boguszewski: Restricting meal cards to certain items is something that can be investigated, but our schools provide many healthy choices for students.
Centofanti: The schools provide many healthy and appealing choices for students. Restricting meal cards to certain items is something that can be investigated.
Cooper: The current lunch offerings are very appealing to kids and nutritious. Both of my sons in the school district buy lunch almost every day and love it. I do not feel a need to monitor what my child buys.
Soisson: The quality of lunch offerings is very important and parents should be able to monitor and restrict their children’s use of their debit cards.
Zobele: I really do not know if the lunch offerings should be made more appealing to the kids. However, parents should be able to monitor what their children are buying.
Q. The school board doesn’t question the administration enough.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Cooper, Soisson.
Undecided: Zobele.
Boguszewski: We do and have overturned administrative decisions (middle school softball coach).
Centofanti: Every member has the opportunity to question administration in committee or publicly to make sure they make informed decisions impacting the school district. The primary responsibility of the board is to set policy, and ensure that the district is run well.
Cooper: The school board and the administrators have a good working relationship. I know that the current school board is not afraid to speak up and question the administration when necessary. I also realize that much of the questioning happens outside of public view so it looks like it is not happening, but it does.
Soisson: Some of us question the administration quite a bit, especially in the committee meetings.
Zobele: Until I am elected to the school board, I won’t know if the board questions the administration enough.
Q. The school district should give teachers more training and time off to learn how to use technology in the classroom.
Agree: Cooper.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Soisson, Zobele.
Boguszewski: The level of training at this time is appropriate.
Centofanti: The current level of teacher in-service is part of the negotiated contract. Technology staff was increased as part of the initiative to assist the teachers, staff, and students better understand and utilize the devices in the classroom. Technology has been fully implemented at all grades and teachers have successfully incorporated it into the classroom.
Cooper: We invested a lot of money in upgrading the technology in the district to be used by the teachers and the students and it cannot be properly implemented without proper training for our teachers. This training should be mandatory and time should be given off to allow for this training to happen. Many teachers currently use the technology very well and integrate it into the learning process, but some can use a little more training.
Soisson: The district has provided many opportunities for teacher training for the technology provided and much of this training in as in-service programs, which are included in their contract. I have also supported the continued provision of teacher trainers and coaches for assistance in the classroom and during the school day. I fully support professional development, but I’m not sure that more time off is required to achieve a well-trained staff.
Zobele: In today’s age of technology many kids are masters at figuring out how technology works. Let the children put their knowledge to good use by helping their teachers if they are confused by a new technology.
Q. The “party policy” that regulates what treats may be sent to a class for a celebration is too strict.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Soisson
Undecided: Centofanti, Cooper, Zobele.
Boguszewski: The current policy is good, but I have no problem discussing it again.
Centofanti: I understand the concerns regarding food in the classroom. I support the current policy and would encourage continued communication between parents and the board to provide a safe, fun and healthy environment for all children and staff in the district.
Cooper: There are many healthy snacks that are allergen free that can be encouraged as an alternative to the traditional cupcake or munchkins. The current policy encourages nonfood items for birthday celebrations or requires advance notice of all ingredients to allow parents of children with allergies to be full informed and make alternative arrangements for their child to participate in the celebration.
Soisson: I agree with the current policy regarding classroom parties.
Zobele: I have mixed feelings about this issue because I can remember my mother bringing in special made cakes for me and brother on our birthday. However, as someone with a peanut allergy I understand the need to have a reasonable “party policy.“
Q. More of an effort should be made to provide busing for kids for whom the school receives no state aid because the kids live close to their school.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Soisson, Zobele.
Undecided: Cooper.
Boguszewski: Busing is provided to every student up to the 6th grade. Above the 6th grade it conforms to the state guidelines.
Centofanti: Busing is provided to every student up through sixth grade. Busing for the higher grades conforms to state guidelines.
Cooper: More research needs to be done as to how many children are affected, the cost of the added bus route and if there are possible alternatives that would account for the safety and wellbeing of the affected students.
Soisson: The district provides busing according to state law with additional routes where walking is deemed hazardous. I believe this to be appropriate. Increasing routes further would have to be looked at closely as we are in a zero-sum environment: any additional expenses would lead to cutting programs to provide the funding for the routes. I can’t think of any programs I am willing to cut to increase routes for reasons other than safety.
Zobele: I have attended school board meetings recently that have dealt with this very issue. In watching the debate between the board and the parents I side with the board because they are following all required laws when it comes to busing.
Q. The budget and candidates’ election should be moved back to an April election.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Cooper, Soisson, Zobele.
Boguszewski: 2012 was the last April election and our town only had an 8 percent voter turnout.
Centofanti: The last April election in 2012 had only an 8 percent voter turnout. It is not financially feasible to move the election back to April.
Cooper: The move to November leads to a greater participation rate on issues that matter and directly affect our community, like the school budget and the election of school board candidates. In addition, not having the extra cost involved with a separate election day saves the town money that can be reinvested in our community.
Soisson: Given the number of voters that had come out for previous school board and budget elections, I am not in favor of this. I agree that if the cap is exceeded, the taxpayer should have an opportunity to vote on the budget.
Zobele: When the budget and candidates’ election were first moved to November, I was disappointed and upset. I have come to realize that by combining these elections, it saves taxpayers money and, hopefully, by voting in November more people will vote for school board candidates, as well as school-related issues.
Q. The district should hold graduation out of town at a large indoor air-conditioned facility.
Agree: Zobele.
Disagree: Cooper.
Undecided: Boguszewski, Centofanti Soisson.
Boguszewski: It’s always best to have graduation at home. However I do understand the heat and rain can become a problem.
Centofanti: There is something to be said about graduating at the school with the support of teachers and administration. Inclement weather has posed challenges with safety, limiting access and attendance at this momentous occasion. Graduation at the arena allows students to bring as many family and friends to the event as well as ensure an air-conditioned venue. I would hope the district could consider distributing caps and gowns prior to graduation day so that families can capture the special moments at home or school before the ceremony.
Cooper: Graduation should be held at the high school to allow for the most people to be able to attend. I understand that weather can be an issue, but having it at the high school gives the administration more flexibility with scheduling should weather become an issue and helps to reduce cost.
Soisson: While I would prefer to have graduation at the football field, the weather has been difficult and the fire marshal has told us that having the number of people necessary at an indoor graduation at Hillsborough High School is not doable. As such, procuring a facility for graduation has become necessary. I am open to looking at other changes that could move graduation back to Hillsborough.
Zobele: Agree: As a Hillsborough High School graduate in 2012 I can remember it was unbearably hot. If money can be found in the budget to do this, it is important for the safety of all graduates, family and friends in attendance.
Q. Standardized test scores should play a big part in evaluating teacher performance and determining tenure.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Cooper, Soisson.
Boguszewski: Every student tests differently. Standardized test scores can play a part. . . but not the majority.
Centofanti: Standardized test scores can provide feedback on student performance, but it is not a comprehensive evaluation of learning. I am not convinced that the current methodology is the best approach. Teachers and administration have developed common assessments to ensure consistency of instruction and assess learning.
Cooper: Too much emphasis is placed on standardized tests scores. I do not think they are an accurate depiction of how the teacher is doing and they do not tell the full story. Teachers should be evaluated by their peers, students and parents to be able to see the full picture and determine whether or not to grant tenure.
Soisson: I do not believe that standardized test scores should play a BIG part in evaluating teachers. The standardized testing situation is in flux and I would not want to hold teachers accountable for performance on PARCC until we understand the test and outcomes better. I believe the best way to evaluate our teachers is through looking at student growth in the classroom.
Zobele: Disagree: Though I do believe test scores should play some role in evaluating teacher’s I do not believe that should be a major component.
Q. The district can pare more administration positions.
Agree: Zobele.
Undecided: Boguszewski, Centofanti, Cooper, Soisson.
Boguszewski: I am always looking for ways to cut costs, Hillsborough is one of the lowest administrator-to-student ratios in the county.
Centofanti: Hillsborough has one of the lowest administrator-to-student ratios in the county, but I am mindful of costs and willing to investigate options that financially benefit the district.
Cooper: Since we are a very big school district with a large budget and thousands of students, we must have a large administration to keep this district running smoothly and on top national. However, you can have a large but lean organization. I would have to do more research to see what the job description of each administrator is before giving an accurate answer.
Soisson: Given the current teacher evaluation requirements, I am not sure this is possible. I am interested in seeing how this evolves over time.
Zobele: Agree: In a time when there are many budgetary constraints I believe it can be possible to pare more administrative positions.
Q. Athletes should be excused from gym during their sports season.
Agree: Soisson.
Disagree: Boguszewski, Zobele.
Undecided: Centofanti, Cooper.
Boguszewski: I do believe that more investigation is required, but efforts along these lines have been problematic.
Centofanti: The physical education curriculum includes health and nutrition as well as physical activity. More investigation is required to determine the feasibility of excusing athletes from gym during their scheduled season.
Cooper: Athletes should be excused from physical education class during their season if the time is used as a study hall. This would allow the athletes to complete school work that cannot be completed after school, due to a practice or a game. Otherwise, extra activity can only help the athlete with conditioning and allow them to use different muscles ,to cut down on muscle fatigue and burnout.
Soisson: Our student athletes spend a significant amount of time at practices and competitions and it is difficult for them to balance schoolwork with athletics during the season. Many fall behind and have increased stress during their sport season. As such, I believe that the gym period could be better utilized by athletes to do schoolwork.
Zobele: Although there are plenty of student athletes who play on our school’s various teams, there are just as many who participate in outside activities such as dance, karate and many other activities who are not excused from gym class. That is why all students should be held to the same standard.
