BOE Members and School Administrators React to Passage of Budget

Last Wednesday, borough voters passed the New Milford School District's proposed budget for the 2011-12 school year by a margin of 635 to 512. The school budget had been defeated the prior year, leading to cuts and the elimination of staff and some programs.

Superintendent Michael Polizzi said "enormous thanks" were due to those who supported the budget at the polls. 

"In speaking with a number of residents and parents of school children, they see the positive track the schools are on," said Polizzi. "They understand and embrace the district's direction and because of that were able to vote with knowledge and the conviction that New Milford schools are most definitely on the move."  

Dan Conner, the current president of the New Milford Board of Education, was re-elected to another term and said he looks forward to serving borough residents for the next three years.

"I was very pleased to see the increase in voter turnout and to see the large vote swing in favor of the budget this year," said Conner. "It proves to me that the citizens of New Milford definitely care about the public schools and they support the exciting initiatives we are putting forth."

Peggy Saslow was also re-elected to the BOE for another three-year term and said she was "overjoyed" that the budget was passed.

"It means so much to me that we can focus on EDUCATION and not on cuts," said Saslow. "I am truly happy to be able to serve on the Board and will do my utmost to stay on the upward path that we have put in place."

Saslow said "kudos" to all the residents who made the passage of the budget possible as opposed to last year's budget failure.

"I wonder how many people realize that voting down the budget helps destroy quality education and saves the pocketbook so little money," said Saslow. "Last year we were cut $120,000 and the average homeowner saved $19 and change in their taxes, not each quarter but for the whole year."

Saslow said, "How does one compare the worth of that saving compared to the loss of program, teachers, increased class size, etc. it really hurts. And guess what that negative vote means to the value of the home--what parent wants to move into a town that turns down the budget?"

"I, district administration, and the New Milford Board of Education are most appreciative for the efforts of the PTO's and the engagement of parents in excercising their voice at this critical point in the renaissance of New Milford schools," said Polizzi. "Because of this support, we will be able to continue to provide quality educational services for all students and to emerge as a model of fiscally responsible school innovation and creativity for Bergen County."