Iwould like to sincerely thank the voters of South River for giving me the opportunity to serve a third term on the South River Board of Education. As chairperson of the Finance Committee, I would also like to thank those who voted to pass our budget.

Unfortunately, as a board member, a parent and a taxpayer of South River, I am extremely disappointed in the low voter turnout. Of the 8,068 registered voters in South River, only 985 people came out to vote and 24 submitted absentee ballots, for a grand total of 1,009 votes cast. How can so few people be interested in the children? This is a sad commentary on our town. It's such a shame that more people don't get involved. I think our children are our most precious commodity, as they represent our future.

I also wish to welcome the newly elected board members, Kelly Cruz and Tonya Duran, and wish them well. They have some big shoes to fill. Karl Haider and Andy Miller have given many years of dedicated service to our school system, and they will be sorely missed. We should all be indebted to them for their years of devotion and commitment to our community.
Peggy Marino
Member
South River Board of Education