Today's Daily Journal

Good morning
The Daily Journal had an editorial about
the upcoming school board elections. There
are 12 people running for 5 positions.
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/OPINION01/802270351

I wish to make a difference. Please feel free to ask anyquestions on this blog or at my email
mkrull@earthlink.net
Thanks

"Young people are accused of being detached and uninvolved in their communities.

Young people are accused of being detached and uninvolved in their communities.

Three area high school students running for school boards in Vineland and Millville prove the stereotype false.

We don't know whether Vineland High School seniors Robert Petronglo and Marilee Negron, or Millville Senior High School senior David Gifford have the dedication, knowledge and background needed to make the tough decisions about educational programs, personnel and taxes.

We do, however, admire their desire to get involved in their communities, bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the boards and have their say on how our schools are run and what is taught. In a statewide survey last year, less than 1 percent of all school board members were younger than 25.

Whoever is elected to the school boards in Abbott districts, which include Vineland, Millville and Bridgeton, will face some hard choices because of the state's new school funding formula. Vineland and Millville will see only 2 percent increases in state aid next year, and probably flat or reduced funding the following years. With inflation in the 4 percent range, and the cost of health care skyrocketing, school board members will have to decide whether to raise school taxes, eliminate academic or athletic programs, cut teachers and staff, or a combination of all these things.

It won't be pretty, but that's the reality the school boards in many Abbott districts will have to deal with in the coming months.

School board members aren't paid. Some ambitious individuals have used school boards as steppingstones to higher office, but most have a genuine desire to improve educational opportunities for all students and give back to the community in which they live.

Such service should never be taken for granted, but unfortunately it is. Perhaps these students can inspire more young people and adults to get involved and add their voice to the community conversation for the betterment of our area."