Look Who's Talking
Members of our community and experts share their opinions on education and our schools:
“It’s amazing how people forget (or don’t realize) that a prime reason for moving into a town is the quality of the school system. When the school system starts to slip, so do property values and the quality of life. Great school systems make for great communities. You get what you pay for.”
Mario Brassini
Mendham
“In our society, we think nothing of giving our children iPods, cell phones and expensive clothes. We should not be shocked at an average increase of $86 a year for our public schools. Are our children not worth the money?
“This is a tough economy, especially in the area of real estate. Why would anyone want to reduce their property value by not supporting the local school system?”
Alison Elsman
Denville, NJ
“I encourage everyone to make the time and vote for the school budget on April 15, 2008. The benefits are priceless, and we owe it to our children, schools and community. If we don't support our children, who will?”
Sari Caruso
President, A.R. Spinola (Lakeview) PTA
“Class sizes are much more than numbers on a chart. Next year, as one of my daughters moves from kindergarten to first grade, she will be joined by many new students entering the school system. If the budget does not pass, her class could
exceed 25 students – making it harder to learn critical skills like reading, writing and math. It is my responsibility to ensure that my children receive the best education possible. If this means that I need to cut back in other ways to compensate for a budget increase, then this is what I'll do.”
J. Anderson
Denville, NJ
“Now more than ever, when economic times are tough, we need to give our kids and ourselves every competitive financial advantage. I was shocked to learn that we are spending so little per student in Denville’s K-8 schools – up to $3,600 less each year compared to neighboring towns. This means less educational programs for all students, but especially those with the highest potential and those who need extra help. As a business owner who lives and works in Denville, this school budget is a sound investment in our property values, our town and our future.”
Franco Dichio
VP Operations & Strategic Planning
The Solar Center
“As a parent, it is my duty to ensure that my child will receive the best education possible. It is my responsibility to understand how the budget will affect my tax bill – and the value of my home. This budget will increase annual taxes by an average of $86 – a reasonable cost for maintaining quality schools that make Denville a great place to buy a home and raise a family. I share responsibility for our schools. I choose to be part of the process, obtain balanced information, and exercise my right to vote.”
L. Bock
Denville, NJ
“Home buyers expect our schools to be outstanding. Last year, one couple signed a contract and then visited Lakeview. They could not believe the overcrowding! They backed out of the contract the same day. Our property values will go down if buyers think the school system is declining. As a Denville resident for 32 years and a realtor for 19 years, I’m concerned.”
K. Lind
Denville, NJ
“The Denville Board of Education is meeting all of its responsibilities. It is among the first in Morris County to complete an evaluation of its superintendent and assess its own performance as a team. This is good for them, good for the community and meets the new requirements of the Department of Education. The Board is doing everything it should be doing.”
Joanne Borin
Field Representative, Morris County
New Jersey School Boards Association
“Some people talk about the school budget as if the Denville Board of Education benefits personally from our tax dollars. How frustrating! The budget is about meeting basic needs: teachers to maintain class sizes, reading programs tailored to the needs of our students, and new math programs. There are no bells and whistles – just the education our children need to succeed in the world.”
L. Caby
In my opinion Denville has limited school spending over the years and has been doing ‘more with less.’ With employee pensions, the State is again shifting more financial responsibilities on our local community. At the same time, the State is limiting our annual school budget increases. In this challenging environment, the proposed budget balances responsible spending while addressing growing class sizes and providing the children of Denville with the education they deserve.
Seth Yen Johnson
Chair of the Finance Committee and Member
Denville Board of Education
“My husband and I considered moving to a larger home outside of Denville. We decided to stay, because we love this community and we believe Denville schools are the best for our children. While the proposed budget includes a new first-grade teacher, my child’s class would still exceed the number of students recommended by the state. I hate to think about how my child would struggle without that teacher. But I have to. And, I’m asking you to think about it too.”
Krystn Cedzidlo
Denville, NJ