Being financially responsible to our taxpayers is one of the most important responsibilities of a Board of Education member. I understand firsthand how challenging it can be for families just starting out to afford a home in Cranford, or for parents raising young children while managing the many costs of daily life. I also know the financial strain faced by families with children in college (of which I have two currently), as well as the burden on senior citizens who have lived in their homes for decades and are navigating fixed incomes. These realities guide my decisions when it comes to budgeting for our schools, because I know every dollar comes from hardworking families and affects the community in very real ways.

 

School budgeting in New Jersey presents unique challenges. In our district, more than 81% of the operating budget is tied to salaries and benefits, leaving limited flexibility for other priorities. At the same time, the state imposes a 2% cap on annual tax increases, which restricts the additional revenue the district can raise locally. Unlike some other towns where higher tax levies or greater state and federal aid provide more financial breathing room, Cranford must carefully balance its resources to meet educational goals while remaining mindful of the impact on taxpayers. Every decision about staffing, programs, and facilities requires thoughtful consideration of both the needs of our students and the financial realities facing the families who support our schools.

 

We have been able to successfully balance all of these elements across both our academic offerings, our wonderful teaching staff, extracurricular opportunities (i.e., our amazing sports teams, performing arts, etc.) social/emotional programs, security and our building/ground maintenance.