Vote Column B and Piarulli on Nov 5th

My tenure on the Garwood Board of Ed has been eye opening to say the least. We sometimes forget the Board of Ed is the business aspect of the school district. I believe our educators need to do what they do best, educate, and not worry about the behind the scenes dollars and cents and It is our responsibility to ensure teachers have all the resources to provide the best education possible for all of our student. Over the past 12+ years I have had at least 2 of my four kids attending Lincoln School during any given year and although that alone doesn’t qualify one for being on the Board of Ed, my involvement, understanding and knowledge of how the system works does. Just like every child, my four are very different from each other in that they have been able to take advantage of all aspects of the curriculum from the honor roll currently enrolled at the prestigious Magnet School to special needs, as a parent, I have seen first-hand how our students are driven to succeed through my own eyes.

Safety, and finances are at the forefront of my priorities. A few months back I proposed starting a safety committee where we would work with the community, law enforcement and county officials to ensure we are always a step ahead of those that have evil in their heart. We spend so much time, effort and money making our schools the last line of defense, my goal would be to stop it before it gets to the that position. Last year during my first year on finance, we were able to keep taxes at a ½ percent increase. I fought to keep taxes flat but eventually compromised because it is important to work as a team. This year I voted no. I was adamant that we did not have to raise taxes 1.9%. Nonetheless, my colleagues voted 6-2 for a 1.9% increase therefore it is more important than ever to keep our finance committee in-tact. BOE taxes are tricky. We need to spend correctly and we must react to poor decisions made by the municipality. We have been under unfair, constant attacks for the past 3 years because they don’t seem to understand how finances work. 3 years ago, when our lawyers drew up a letter explaining our concerns about their approval and push for 4 apartment buildings that could cause a significant increase in BOE costs, especially with out of district children, the current council called us “liars”. It is my responsibility as a board member to ensure that EVERY child gets the best education possible. Because we are a small school district, we simple don’t have all the resources to do so therefore we go to other districts. The budget later came out showing it to be a fact. This year, this current council has been telling residents that the BOE voted to raise taxes 4%. That is NOT true. Actually, it was the council the front loaded the BOE taxes so more appear on the first six months of your property tax bill. In addition, the BOE does not borrow money to create the illusion that taxes are low while incurring interest like we have seen with council whose debt has increased by 60% in the last 3 years. The BOE debt service is based on the loan taken out for building the school back in 2004.

Lastly, ensuring that all members of our community have someone that represents them. That is our job. A former BOE member and current Garwood Democrat chairperson said on social media, in response to parents fighting to save the job of a beloved teacher: "I commend your efforts but they won't make a difference". I am running again to tell you that your efforts do make a difference. Your voices will be heard and the moment someone tells you your efforts don't make a difference is the moment that person and the people they stand for should never get elected again. As the middle child of Italian immigrants, I am a 47-year-old single father that has been blessed with four beautiful children that are either currently in or went through the Garwood school system.

I enjoy spending my free time with my children coaching soccer, football and baseball. Teaching teamwork through coaching is something I am very passionate about. Being an active soccer player myself, I show my children the continued importance of dedication and passion for what you love is the most important thing in life. I am a graduate of Caldwell University and just recently earned my MBA. I am not afraid to give my opinion and I am not seeking to be all things to all people nor am I hoping to win a popularity contest. This has made me a target but it won’t stop me for standing up for the residents and continuing to do what’s right. The current chairman of the GW Democrat Party spread rumors that my kids don’t live in town to try to get them expelled. Is this who we want to represent us? The current council continue to spin without solutions. The political atmosphere and smear tactics have become a sad commentary on our town and it is more important than ever that we move forward with new council members and a Board of Ed that that has the experience to provide better transparency and represent all residents of Garwood to ensure our tax dollars are spent the right way so we keep the best teachers and they are equipped with the resources so our children can continue to receive the best education possible. On November 5th, I look forward to your support and continuing to fight for all residents of Garwood.

Sal Piarulli for Garwood BOE