A Letter To The Editor From Central Regional School Board Candidate Nick Mackres

A Letter to the Editor from Central Regional Board of Education candidate Nick Mackres:

Where’s the debate?

There are six candidates running for two seats on the Central Regional School Board, yet there are NO debates. In neighboring districts, the PTA or the student political club organizes a debate for voters to gain further information.

Amazingly, ALL of the candidates are campaigning on cutting taxes, efficiency, self-sustainment, et al on the budget. With a debate, we could ask for further clarification and delineate the crowd, as opposed to one-liner campaign promises with the assumption that the candidate knows school finance.

As in all things, you can always become more efficient, but I would like to know where exactly is the waste and how are you going to fix it while legally providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education?

As a school business administrator for a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School, I would respond with details. For example, how our cafeteria is running a profit with a large surplus, and by statute, those funds must be used on food service. Currently, the general fund is subsidizing the cafeteria account by paying for their electric. A relatively easy adjustment is to add a production meter (around $2,000 with installation) and charge the cafeteria account their appropriate share and probably saving $20,000 of property taxes per year. This will be big step in moving towards an activity based costing system for the cafeterias.

Ten times as much can be saved YEARLY with one shared service with Berkeley Township School District. With an election win and enough support of other board members, we can request the county superintendent to adhere to New Jersey Administrative Code and force a discussion with the Berkeley Township School District.

Brazenly, one team sent out a letter to teachers asking the union for their support. How can one objectively vote for a fiscally responsible budget of 2 percent increase, when they cater to a special interest group for votes?

As a member of the negotiations team, I take into account not just the salary increase, but also benefits. To put in perspective, a teacher at the top of the salary guide makes $98,529. A 2 percent increase in salary is $1,970. In contrast, NJ Direct 15/25 family healthcare increases almost 10 percent in January, a rise of $2,411. Healthcare is a higher increase than the pay of the highest teacher on the guide!

As board members, you must count all of the benefits for a total compensation package, and not just look at salaries. In 2018, the Cadillac Tax takes into affect, and it will push our healthcare costs even higher. As a seasoned professional and board member, I not only look at current issues, but plan for the future.

Another campaign wants to hire a specialist that we currently do in house. With a debate, we could ask deeper questions of why, how much, and do you have any specifics?

We have a candidate claiming they will make some drastic changes across the state that even Governor Christie has failed at for years. I would like to know how this will happen, and if they expect Berkeley taxpayers to fund the statewide campaign?

A moderator can ask those running to answer tough questions that must be faced as board members.

Unfortunately, it’s too late for a debate.

I can only ask that the voter who reads this to vote for the person they trust will abide by their fiduciary duty as a board member.

I truly care about the education of all the children at Central Regional School District in improving their resources, environment, and test scores, while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget.

We have had some major improvements in the past few years at Central and I will ensure we continue improving with one main goal: To Improve Education.

My education: MBA, Columbia Business School. BS, Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University

Occupation: School Business Administrator, Spring Lake Board of Education, Spring Lake, NJ

Service: Lieutenant Colonel (Sel), USMCR

Family: Married, one child (22 months old)

Vote E4

With regards,

Nick Mackres

Editor’s note: Nick Mackres was elected to a one-year term in 2013 and then was appointed in March 2015, when Keith Buscio resigned to run for a Township Council seat.