Tuesday, January 25 2011

In these difficult financial times when voters have an opportunity to decide the fate of something that will cost them a few bucks they tend to vote “no” without even giving the matter a second thought. That would be a shame if registered voters in the Central Regional School District head to the polls today with that attitude when it comes to a special $5.2 million referendum which contains no frills and is about as bare bones as it gets.

The four main components of today’s special referendum deal with roof repairs, the installation of new energy-efficient windows, paving and connection to the municipal water system. As a 1973 Central graduate I can tell you first-hand that some of the infrastructure not only remains the same from when I was in school but when the doors first opened in 1956. The original single-pane windows probably cost the district money in the long run and the roof has been in terrible condition for years.

There is no smoke and mirrors when it comes to this referendum because it would only take 10 minutes for an open-minded person to realize everything here is a necessity, not a luxury. It was so obvious that Superintendent Tommy Parlapanides offered tours to voters in the school district so they could see for themselves what he has known for years….the physical condition of the school is deteriorating, not safe in some cases and certainly not efficient.

While the total referendum is for just over $5.2 million, if it passes the district will receive a state grant for $1.1 million so the total local share is really $4.1 million.
As far as what that means to the taxpayer….well it will cost the average home owner in Berkeley less than $10 a year. In Ocean Gate and Seaside Heights it would be less than $12 a year, $15 in Island Heights and $25 in Seaside Park.
Again nobody wants to pay more than they do know but we all have some responsibility when it comes to education.

I wish I had the opportunity to vote today but I don’t live in the district. However as an alumnus I strongly encourage the support of today’s Central Regional Referendum for the children who go their today and the ones who will in the future. Polls will be open from 2-9pm.