Schools

School Officials Ask Frustrated Teachers, Taxpayers For Budget Approval

There are two more budget presentations before the April 20 vote.

Cranford school officials urged frustrated teachers and taxpayers Monday night to approve a county-approved budget that offers layoffs and tax hikes to fill a $2.5 million cut in state aid. 

The meeting drew enough of an audience to pack the Walnut Avenue School gymnasium. Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Summit)  were on hand to answer questions.

A vice principal, two librarians, and all kindergarten aides were among the 48 eliminated positions. Other cuts included three kindergarten through 12th-grade supervisors, eight instructional staff, select special education aides, two clerical/secretarial personnel, one and a half building services positions, and a support employee.

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"This is the first time we're really able to come out and give the list," said Superintendent Gayle Carrick. "These are impacting peoples lives and we wanted to make sure we could speak directly to them first before they heard it elsewhere."

All affected employees were notified by Friday afternoon.

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Several audience members called the process by which the eight eliminated teacher positions were selected a "sin."

"Because of a loophole, not her performance, [one laid-off teacher] was denied tenure last year," said a tear-stricken Suzy Williams of Lasalle Avenue. "It is a sin, it is a black eye on you. My heart goes out to her, she's a young girl, she's beyond upset, she said to me that 'all I know is I won't be teaching next year, I'll be working in retail 'cause there's nowhere for me to go.'" 

Teacher reductions were based on tenure and principal recommendations, according to Carrick. Pink slips were only given to those affected.

Bramnick and Munoz sympathized with the audience and Board of Education members.

"The state had borrowed money for over eight years," said Bramnick. "When Gov. Christie came in he simply said he will not borrow anymore, he cut spending across the board, it was extremely painful. This is a new era. It is extremely difficult. We're going to try to listen to the suggestions and when we meet with the governor we'll bring those suggestions back."

Their comments on the meeting being the "most civil" they have seen recently seemed to rile up audience and Board members alike.

"I resent the fact that the teachers are being blamed by the governor, and yes we have problems, I understand that, but I feel that we are being demonized and blamed," said Kathleen Shaw of Denman Road. "I've been teaching for 15 years, I make 21.20 per hour, I probably work on a good week 55 hours per week to provide the good instruction that works."

Branmick countered with "I don't think it's him versus the teachers," only to hear the audience shout back, "It is!" 

"And then we feel like every time a piece of legislation or a budget cut comes down we feel punished," said Board Member Jo Ann Boyle. "Is there a way that the districts that aren't following the rules and educating their children get punished and we get rewarded?"

"You're right. The most efficient districts get punished," said Bramnick. "We need to send economic SWAT teams that follow people around in districts and find out what people are doing. We know how successful Cranford and some of the other towns are..."  

Audience members also took issue with the elimination of all middle school sports.

"Why do high school sports remain relatively whole while middle school sports are being cut entirely," said David Pringle of Walnut Avenue. "Rec sports are great but they're not middle school sports, they're not as competitive. Middle school sports provide opportunities for those who can't afford other opportunities. You're taking away from the underprivileged."

He suggested getting parents involved, finding volunteers, and possibly going to a pay-to-play system. 

"There's nothing in this budget that prohibits pay to play and nothing that adds it," said Business Administrator Robert Carfagno. "It's not dead but it's not in here, that doesn't mean it can't be resurrected in a month or two.

Carrick and two assistant superintendents will forgo their raises to help meet budget needs. Assistant superintendents will also take on additional responsibilities, like editing and publishing The Spectrum, the district's newsletter, and supervising the science department in all grade levels.

Other budget cut casualties include: co-curricular activities, regular summer school classes, all maintenance projects (even the Cranford High School science room project), and equipment replacement funds. Sixth-period teaching stipends have been cut back, as with professional development and substitute pay. All department budgets have been cut by 10-20 percent.

The school roof and boiler repair project approved by December referendum is still on.

Class sizes will remain the same, as Cranford schools expect to see only a 1 percent increase in student enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year.

Board members asked the audience to approve the new budget on April 20.

If the budget isn't approved by voters, it will go to the Township Committee for further review. Town officials can then make more cuts to appease taxpayers or take the budget as-is.

"You then have one appeal process," said Carfagno. "Based on the last two governors trying to lower property taxes, I can't see Trenton taking our side and overruling the money to be cut because of the initiative to lower taxes."

Board Member Michael Caulfield agreed.

"If you think [the Township Committee] has the moxy to not touch the budget in the face of a 'no' vote and with their own elections..."

The next budget presentation is scheduled for April 8 at Hillside Avenue School. The last will take place on April 13 at Orange Avenue School. Both are scheduled for 7 p.m.


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