Excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts…the accomplishments of our students reflects this motto. Our students have brought county, state and national recognition to our district. Our students have also made us proud by displaying acts of kindness, respect for others and accepting the unique differences of their peers. On behalf of the students and staff, we thank the PTAs, the booster organizations, the East Brunswick Education Foundation and the voters who go to the polls on behalf of our schools… thank you for supporting the hard work of our students and staff.

The school year began with a district-wide effort to address our aging and overcrowded elementary and middle schools. The first of two bond referendums, which will allow for a nearly new Hammarskjold Middle School and additions and renovations to Central and Lawrence Brook Elementary Schools, was held on December 14^th. Thanks to the efforts of many, the bond referendum passed. We are all anxiously awaiting the start of these projects. However, the state approval process takes nearly a year and with $24,720,221.00 in state grant funds allotted to our community for these projects, we understand the necessary checks and balances that must be addressed before we can begin. We look forward to breaking ground on all three projects in the spring or early summer of 2006. These facilities will certainly enhance the learning environment. It is our hope that the community will continue its support for the second bond referendum, which is necessary to address the facilities needs at the remaining elementary schools.

Each April voters in every community across the state are given the opportunity to vote on their school districts’ annual budgets. The annual school budget provides for educational materials and supplies, utilities and routine maintenance, salaries and benefits – in short, it supports the day-to-day operation of our schools. This past April, the budget for the coming school year was defeated. As a result, two million dollars was cut from a budget that was already more than a half-million dollars under cap. We have worked very hard to preserve the quality educational services our students receive. However, this reduction will have an impact not only this coming school year, but for years to come.

As many of you know, New Jersey public schools are facing a crisis that will negatively impact the education our children receive. Legislation enacted this past year known as “S-1701” is a bill that was an attempt to lower property taxes. The result of this shortsighted attempt is that our schools are being harmed with barely any relief in property taxes and one-time revenue sources might not be replenished in succeeding years. In addition, any part of our school budgets that are not specifically state mandated, such as after-school sports, school librarians, art, music, and clubs are in jeopardy as we go into each new year with increasing costs that are beyond our school district’s control. It will be a challenge for districts to continue to maintain the quality of education that the students receive.

Our students need the support of this community. They have proven that they will not take it for granted. Just look at their accomplishments.

Yours truly,