Calling them a “clique”referring to present interim school board chosen by members of the three boards of education rather than elected by voters, a group known as Hudson Kids First is supporting three Highlands residents for the board of election.
The group sent out letters to residents in both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands this week supporting their candidates in the November 5 election.
Hudson Kids First, with Donica Basinger as chairperson, Philip Spatola as treasurer and Arthur Gallagher as political director, sent the two-page letter citing two issues that their candidates feel have failed both the borough’s taxpayers and students.
The letter, entitled “Break Up the Clique! pointed out every one of the incumbents on the board appointed in July awarded a five year, one million dollar contract to its superintendent, including a telephone, travel expenses and other perks.
The letter also indicated that because of the board’s vote, administration at Henry Hudson Regional “are paid on a par with those of much larger and more complex regional districts, and described Henry Hudson regional district, with its three schools in two towns, as one of the smaller regional districts in the state.
The Hudson Kids First committee also took issue with the incumbent board’s failure to taxpayers and students by thwarting voters from voting on a referendum to include Sea Bright in the district, saying “they had indulged in and exacerbated the obstacles to a referendum, rather than working cooperatively with the boroughs to overcome obstacles.”
“They say they are for regionalization, but their actions have been contrary to their rhetoric,” the letter states.
Highlands and Sea Bright do have a question on the November ballot seeking the taxpayers’ opinion on whether Sea Bright should be included in the district with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
Atlantic Highlands chose not to put the opinion-seeking question on the ballot after the mayor indicated such a vote would be “frivolous.”
“Our kids and the taxpayers who pay for the schools deserve a board comprised of hardworking independent thinkers who will do the research and set the policies that will deliver the best possible educational opportunities at the most efficient costs, “the letter continued.
Hudson Kids First made it clear they support Suzanne Thomas, a lifelong borough resident, retired school nurse and former member of the Highlands school board who is running for the three year term, Gina Melnyk, a former teacher and former school board member who the letter describes as a candidate who “does her homework and speaks her mind to power.”. and Kevin Ege, a finance professional running with ‘Accountability” as his slogan, running for the two one-year terms.
Rebecca Wells and Diane Knox are unopposed for election to the two two-year terms open in November, so, barring a surprise write-in campaign they are expected to win the two seats.
The three candidates strongly supported by Hudson Kids First in Highlands, the letter continued, “are committed to improving our kids’ educational opportunities, reducing the burden on property taxpayers and overcoming the obstacles to regionalization with Sea Bright.” They urge sending a strong message to members of “the Clique” by not casting any ballot for the unopposed candidates for the two year terms since “they are going to be elected anyway with just their friends and families’ vote” .
“Let’s elect thoughtful independent leaders to the board of education, “the Hudson Kids First team urged, adding the message should also be sent to the administration and the incumbents that “we want the best education possible for Hudson kids…we want state money and the revenue that Sea Bright would contribute through regionalization.” What they do not want, the letter concluded, “are excuses or rubber stamp board members.”
Hudson Kids First, which is not affiliated with any candidate or candidate committee, identified itself as an independent political committee that paid for the letter and mailing, reminded residents of the importance of voting November 5 since it is “the first opportunity to vote for members of the newly formed Henry Hudson Regional School District.
Highlands voters have the opportunity to name five members to the new board with terms of one, two and three years, while Atlantic Highlands has the opportunity to elect four members to the new nine-member board, with similar staggered terms. Candidates for the three-year terms in both communities are unopposed.
