Thank you, Haddonfield voters, for approving the school budget yesterday with 63% of the vote. The budget was approved 1921 to 1138. A few weeks ago I blogged that we needed 1500 yes votes, and we far exceeded that goal with 1921. 35% of registered voters came out to vote yesterday.
Incumbents Cheryl Laney, Steve Weinstein and Joe Ehrhardt were re-elected. New challengers David Raymond and Chris Basner both made a very good showing, and should be commended for running campaigns to serve the community as school board members.
The re-election of the three incumbents is a good thing for our town, and I'd like to give them all a hearty "thank you" for wanting to serve as board members again - the position is time consuming, stressful and difficult. Their experience will serve us all well as they continue the negotiations with Haddonfield's teachers union for the new contract and move from one difficult budget cycle to another.
I have a lot of people to thank for helping with the "get out the vote" efforts. First, Amy Wilson, Terri Foreman, Anthony Sanzio, Judy Greenberg and Lisa George have been tremendous resources and led the marketing and messaging initiatives, and they each did a great job of informing voters about the budget facts. Our team leaders for schools and community groups, Nancy Potts, Aimee Heslin, Sandy Kerbeck, Maryellen DiMarino, Bill Lee, Sue Isaacs, Lauren Kegler, Shani Nuckols, Nancy DeLaura, Liz DeNinno, Denise Brubaker, Marcy Melendes, Joanie Wolf, Carrie Valleau, Beth Glennon, Jane Nugent, Michelle Smith, Ellen Stone and Mark Cavanna, informed voters, posted lawn signs, distributed flyers and pencils and increased our support at the polls. They each had teams of volunteers at each school as well, and I thank all of you who pitched in. The Haddonfield Education Association was a tremendous source of support, and so were School Board members Cheryl Laney and Glenn Moramarco. And I especially want to thank the entire Board of Education and Superintendent Alan Fegley for the effort that went into crafting this difficult budget. They crafted a fair budget that preserved teaching positions, identified difficult cuts, did not increase teachers salaries and covered the state shortfall - in essence, they gave us a budget that was worth supporting, and the approval of 63% of the vote shows great support for their efforts.
And now, my last blog has come to an end. This has been an interesting experiment, and I hope it helped to inform a few undecided voters. I appreciate everyone's support, and again, thanks for voting YES!
-Maureen Eyles
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Budget FAQs
Tomorrow is the school budget election day! I'd like to devote today’s blog to some frequently asked questions:
1. Does the budget include an increase in teachers’ salaries? No. Dennis Kelleher, Finance Committee Chair of the Haddonfield Board of Education has stated: “The district is currently negotiating a new contract for all faculty and support staff. It is important for you to know that no new dollars have been added to the salary lines for unionized employees. In addition, beginning July 1, 2010, all employees will pay 1.5% of their salary towards their health benefits.”
2. Has the Haddonfield school budget eliminated state mandated programs? No, even though Haddonfield Schools lost $1.5 million in aid, the programs mandated by the state are still in place. I’m hopeful that Governor Christie and Commissioner of Education Schundler will revise these mandates in the upcoming year. Many are costly and (in my opinion) do not address the core educational needs of Haddonfield’s children.
3. Are sports being taken away? Middle School Basketball has been eliminated, but our town offers a middle school-aged youth program which could be an alternative. Freshman sports have been eliminated because there will no longer be a 9th grade Colonial Conference to compete in. Freshman will hopefully have the option to continue in town sports programs through 9th grade, join the JV teams, or participate in newly created intramurals.
Just a few last things to remember...
This budget preserves the vast majority of classroom-related programs at all levels despite losing our state aid:
1. Saves $1.2 million via controlling costs
- Non-teacher staff reductions (senior administration, secretarial, clerks, grounds, maintenance)
- Few teacher reductions (1.75 PE teachers; 0.5 kindergarten teacher)
- Custodial services outsourcing
- Operations and energy reductions
2. Implements new revenue sources
- Teachers contribute 1.5% of salary toward benefits ($229,000)
- Fee for use of facilities by outside organizations
- Activity fee increase of $25
3. Preserves elementary and middle school teaching positions, as well as popular high school humanities courses
4. Increases tax levy 3.25% ($219.73 for average assessed home value of $491,359)
5. Decreases total cost per pupil by 1%, the first decline in recent years
Thanks to those of you who have been following along with this blog experiment. I have 25 "loyal followers" but have been happy to hear from others that you are also reading. Thanks, and I'm glad that this information has been helpful. Remember to vote YES tomorrow - every vote counts!
1. Does the budget include an increase in teachers’ salaries? No. Dennis Kelleher, Finance Committee Chair of the Haddonfield Board of Education has stated: “The district is currently negotiating a new contract for all faculty and support staff. It is important for you to know that no new dollars have been added to the salary lines for unionized employees. In addition, beginning July 1, 2010, all employees will pay 1.5% of their salary towards their health benefits.”
2. Has the Haddonfield school budget eliminated state mandated programs? No, even though Haddonfield Schools lost $1.5 million in aid, the programs mandated by the state are still in place. I’m hopeful that Governor Christie and Commissioner of Education Schundler will revise these mandates in the upcoming year. Many are costly and (in my opinion) do not address the core educational needs of Haddonfield’s children.
3. Are sports being taken away? Middle School Basketball has been eliminated, but our town offers a middle school-aged youth program which could be an alternative. Freshman sports have been eliminated because there will no longer be a 9th grade Colonial Conference to compete in. Freshman will hopefully have the option to continue in town sports programs through 9th grade, join the JV teams, or participate in newly created intramurals.
Just a few last things to remember...
This budget preserves the vast majority of classroom-related programs at all levels despite losing our state aid:
1. Saves $1.2 million via controlling costs
- Non-teacher staff reductions (senior administration, secretarial, clerks, grounds, maintenance)
- Few teacher reductions (1.75 PE teachers; 0.5 kindergarten teacher)
- Custodial services outsourcing
- Operations and energy reductions
2. Implements new revenue sources
- Teachers contribute 1.5% of salary toward benefits ($229,000)
- Fee for use of facilities by outside organizations
- Activity fee increase of $25
3. Preserves elementary and middle school teaching positions, as well as popular high school humanities courses
4. Increases tax levy 3.25% ($219.73 for average assessed home value of $491,359)
5. Decreases total cost per pupil by 1%, the first decline in recent years
Thanks to those of you who have been following along with this blog experiment. I have 25 "loyal followers" but have been happy to hear from others that you are also reading. Thanks, and I'm glad that this information has been helpful. Remember to vote YES tomorrow - every vote counts!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Where to Vote on April 20th
Haddonfield is a tricky place to vote – the polling places change for different elections, which makes “I don’t know where to vote” a convenient excuse for skipping your civic duty. Not this time, readers! This time, I have you covered.
By now you should have received your official “School Election Sample Voting Machine Ballot” in the mail. Your voting district is conveniently located on the mailing panel, just above your name. If you have misplaced your ballot, or if it has already been recycled, never fear – check the sidebar of this blog for a map of the Haddonfield voting districts. Just find your street on the map and you’ll see which district you are in.
Now, where to vote…
District 1: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 2: Tatem School, 1 Glover Ave. (Music Room)
District 3: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 4: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 5: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 6: Elizabeth Haddon School. 501 W Redman Ave. (Art Room)
District 7: Elizabeth Haddon School. 501 W Redman Ave. (Art Room)
District 8: Lutheran Church, 204 Wayne Ave. (Parish Hall)
District 9: Lutheran Church, 204 Wayne Ave. (Parish Hall)
District 10: Tatem School, 1 Glover Ave. (Music Room)
As a general rule, once you get to the outside of the polling location, signs will point you in the right direction.
Remember, every vote counts, and we need every eligible voter in your household to support this budget. Polls are open from 7 am to 9 pm, and there is never a crowd. Voting will only take a few moments of your time.
By now you should have received your official “School Election Sample Voting Machine Ballot” in the mail. Your voting district is conveniently located on the mailing panel, just above your name. If you have misplaced your ballot, or if it has already been recycled, never fear – check the sidebar of this blog for a map of the Haddonfield voting districts. Just find your street on the map and you’ll see which district you are in.
Now, where to vote…
District 1: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 2: Tatem School, 1 Glover Ave. (Music Room)
District 3: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 4: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 5: Middle/Central School, 1 Lincoln Ave (Gym)
District 6: Elizabeth Haddon School. 501 W Redman Ave. (Art Room)
District 7: Elizabeth Haddon School. 501 W Redman Ave. (Art Room)
District 8: Lutheran Church, 204 Wayne Ave. (Parish Hall)
District 9: Lutheran Church, 204 Wayne Ave. (Parish Hall)
District 10: Tatem School, 1 Glover Ave. (Music Room)
As a general rule, once you get to the outside of the polling location, signs will point you in the right direction.
Remember, every vote counts, and we need every eligible voter in your household to support this budget. Polls are open from 7 am to 9 pm, and there is never a crowd. Voting will only take a few moments of your time.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Senior Freeze
Senior citizens in Haddonfield should know about the “Senior Freeze”. Senior citizens with individual adjusted gross income less than $80,000 in 2009 are eligible for a freeze on their property taxes and therefore would not have to pay the 3.25% proposed tax increase. They can support the school budget, or not vote at all, with no impact to their taxes if they are eligible and file with the state for this tax freeze.
This could provide a significant savings for those who are unaware and qualify. Also, the freeze is retroactive for seniors who qualified in past years but were not aware of this program. Here's the link to the state site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.shtml
Spread the word!
This could provide a significant savings for those who are unaware and qualify. Also, the freeze is retroactive for seniors who qualified in past years but were not aware of this program. Here's the link to the state site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.shtml
Spread the word!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Guest Blog: VOTE YES on Tuesday April 20th: Here’s why
Did you know the Board of Education’s proposed budget compensates for the district’s 100% loss of state aid while generating $1.2 million in savings?
The savings are achieved via non-teacher staff reductions (senior administration, secretarial, clerks, grounds, maintenance), few teacher reductions (1.75 PE teachers; 0.5 kindergarten teacher), teacher contributions of 1.5% of their salaries toward benefits, custodial services outsourcing, and operations and energy reductions. In a time of increased costs and decreased funding, the Board of Education has taken cost cutting seriously.
Did you know the proposed budget represents the first decrease in per pupil spending in recent years?
The cost per pupil will decrease 1% and is the first per pupil spending decrease in many years. However, the classroom instruction percentage of that amount will increase. This means that significant cuts are happening, but they are outside of classroom services and will have less impact on the children. This decrease is achieved even while the district will be receiving $1.5 million less in state aid.
Did you know eligible Haddonfield senior citizens can vote to support the budget without paying a tax increase?
Eligible senior citizens with total income less than $80,000 in 2009 are eligible for a freeze on their property taxes, and therefore would not have to pay the 3.25% proposed tax increase. They can support the school budget, or not vote at all, with no impact to their taxes if they are eligible and file with the state for this tax freeze.
Did you know every vote counts?
The margin of victory in past years has been less than 10 votes. Please urge all eligible voters in your household to vote on Tuesday, April 20th.
Please VOTE YES. It matters. Haddonfield’s kids matter.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
written by Amy Wilson and Terri Foreman
The savings are achieved via non-teacher staff reductions (senior administration, secretarial, clerks, grounds, maintenance), few teacher reductions (1.75 PE teachers; 0.5 kindergarten teacher), teacher contributions of 1.5% of their salaries toward benefits, custodial services outsourcing, and operations and energy reductions. In a time of increased costs and decreased funding, the Board of Education has taken cost cutting seriously.
Did you know the proposed budget represents the first decrease in per pupil spending in recent years?
The cost per pupil will decrease 1% and is the first per pupil spending decrease in many years. However, the classroom instruction percentage of that amount will increase. This means that significant cuts are happening, but they are outside of classroom services and will have less impact on the children. This decrease is achieved even while the district will be receiving $1.5 million less in state aid.
Did you know eligible Haddonfield senior citizens can vote to support the budget without paying a tax increase?
Eligible senior citizens with total income less than $80,000 in 2009 are eligible for a freeze on their property taxes, and therefore would not have to pay the 3.25% proposed tax increase. They can support the school budget, or not vote at all, with no impact to their taxes if they are eligible and file with the state for this tax freeze.
Did you know every vote counts?
The margin of victory in past years has been less than 10 votes. Please urge all eligible voters in your household to vote on Tuesday, April 20th.
Please VOTE YES. It matters. Haddonfield’s kids matter.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
written by Amy Wilson and Terri Foreman
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Guest blog: Pull Lever 5
Tuesday night’s candidate’s forum was an opportunity to hear the Board of Education candidate's positions on a variety of issues that are important to every Haddonfield student's future and every resident's pocketbook.
Not surprisingly, the challenger candidates spoke about the need for new ideas and change. They suggested that more creativity and forward thinking may have helped curb the impact of the budget crunch we now face, and that the current Board may be well served with some new blood. Fair points. Are Mr. Basner and Mr. Raymond the new blood we need? It’s still difficult to say.
Of course the incumbent candidates voiced the importance of experience in these difficult times, particularly with continued economic challenges ahead and the state of affairs in New Jersey. Is it time for a change in leadership? Perhaps. An interesting question that was not answered by the incumbents on Tuesday is, in hindsight, what could we or should we have done differently to help mitigate the situation we now face?
So what did we learn? For myself, I left the forum only with a greater support of Dr. Cheryl Laney. A vote for Dr. Laney represents a vote for every student, for maintaining the quality of education in this district --albeit within the cost constraints that are the new reality in our state today-- which I believe is essential to the quality of life in Haddonfield.
As for the other candidates, I remain undecided at this point. I'm not sure those who attended the forum left with a clearer understanding about what the challengers will bring to the table or whether the other incumbents have what it takes to bring about the changes our district needs. If they did, would we be where we are today? All I can say for sure is that I will pull Lever 5 on Tuesday.
What's your opinion?
Amy Wilson, parent of a Central 2nd grader and an HMHS 9th grader
Not surprisingly, the challenger candidates spoke about the need for new ideas and change. They suggested that more creativity and forward thinking may have helped curb the impact of the budget crunch we now face, and that the current Board may be well served with some new blood. Fair points. Are Mr. Basner and Mr. Raymond the new blood we need? It’s still difficult to say.
Of course the incumbent candidates voiced the importance of experience in these difficult times, particularly with continued economic challenges ahead and the state of affairs in New Jersey. Is it time for a change in leadership? Perhaps. An interesting question that was not answered by the incumbents on Tuesday is, in hindsight, what could we or should we have done differently to help mitigate the situation we now face?
So what did we learn? For myself, I left the forum only with a greater support of Dr. Cheryl Laney. A vote for Dr. Laney represents a vote for every student, for maintaining the quality of education in this district --albeit within the cost constraints that are the new reality in our state today-- which I believe is essential to the quality of life in Haddonfield.
As for the other candidates, I remain undecided at this point. I'm not sure those who attended the forum left with a clearer understanding about what the challengers will bring to the table or whether the other incumbents have what it takes to bring about the changes our district needs. If they did, would we be where we are today? All I can say for sure is that I will pull Lever 5 on Tuesday.
What's your opinion?
Amy Wilson, parent of a Central 2nd grader and an HMHS 9th grader
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Candidates Forum - Tonight at 7:30PM
LEARN ABOUT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES!
Haddonfield Board of Education Candidates’ Forum
Sponsored by the Haddonfield Zone PTA
Hosted by the Camden County League of Women Voters
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Haddonfield Middle School Auditorium
7:30 PM
This year, five candidates are seeking to fill three seats. The candidates for election are:
1. Cheryl Laney
2. Christopher Basner
3. Joseph Erhardt
4. Steve Weinstein
5. David Raymond
Haddonfield Board of Education Candidates’ Forum
Sponsored by the Haddonfield Zone PTA
Hosted by the Camden County League of Women Voters
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Haddonfield Middle School Auditorium
7:30 PM
This year, five candidates are seeking to fill three seats. The candidates for election are:
1. Cheryl Laney
2. Christopher Basner
3. Joseph Erhardt
4. Steve Weinstein
5. David Raymond
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