Urges residents to vote yes for budget

Parents of Monroe Township School District students, please remember to vote 2-9 p.m. on April 21 at the Monroe Township Recreation Center.

This is a very important year, and every single voter needs to come out. Last year's budget was defeated by approximately 300 votes, and it would be devastating if that were to repeat this year.

I attended the April 2 Board of Education meeting and was relieved to see that the majority of board members did not support Rita Ostrager's views, as printed in the Sentinel on March 26.

I was shocked that even after listening to the views of the other board members, district administrators and the public, Ms. Ostrager, when given the opportunity to speak, only continued her frighteningly irresponsible diatribe. She feels that passing this budget will make it too difficult for some people to continue living in Monroe, despite the fact that another board member kindly pointed out that passing this budget will only cost approximately 42 cents per day. This figure was based on an assessed home value (not market value) of $400,000.

Ms. Ostrager fails to recognize that many of our Monroe district employees not only work here but live here and are raising their families here as well. If she had her way, and the budget failed to pass, this would likely mean a loss of jobs. Does she honestly believe that so many families can afford to lose an income? Does she believe our children deserve to lose these talented professionals who give their best every day? I was not alone in the feeling of immense relief that she would no longer be a board member.

These are challenging economic times for all of us, but we need to be aware of the importance of passing this budget, especially now. Our children deserve the consistency of quality education, services and programs that have been established. They also deserve the planned improvements to stay competitive in today's world. Anything less would be detrimental to our children and their futures. We also risk losing the caring, educated, wonderful staff of people that take care of our children every day. Each person working in the district has a positive impact on the life of our children and are there for the children.

Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Hamilton and School Business Administrator Wayne Holliday explained that they have already made significant reductions in administrative costs. Mr. Holliday said we have even saved money on heating costs due to the mild winter, which helped offset aid the state has decided not to send. In addition we are anticipating approximately 176 more students in our district next school year, and we are not receiving any additional state aid. Yet we continue to keep class sizes down, are planning technology improvements for our children, expanding literacy programs and putting the needs of our children first.

I hope each and every parent does the same on April 21. Do your children deserve anything less?
Wendy Cerbie
Monroe