Solomon Cites Experience in BOE Reelection Campaign

Board of Education member Richard Solomon believes that his nine years of experience is needed going forward for the next three years.

He said the current challenges facing the school system, along with the the mandates from the state are reasons why he he is seeking a fourth term on the board. Solomon said that during his tenure on the board he has played a role in what he says are some of the biggest decisions the board has faced.

"The inner workings of a school district the size of Westfield's with 6500 students and over 800 staff in 11 buildings are very complex," he said. "Clearly there is a lot to learn. With the rules, regulations and restrictions placed on school districts by Trenton constantly changing, I believe more than ever that the challenges we face today and will continue to face in the foreseeable future require the kind of knowledge and experience I have attained over the past 9 years and bring to the table today."

Solomon notes that during his tenure he has served as a member and chairman of the finance committee, which gives him experience to address the budget challenges facing the school district. This includes Gov. Chris Christie's decision to cut from the remainder of state aid to the district for the current year.

In terms of finance, Solomon points to his work in developing new funding sources for the school system. Solomon was the lead board member in promoting a resolution allowing the Booster Club to sell banner advertising space at Kehler Stadium and the varsity baseball field. He says this could lead to a large revenue source for the school system.

In addition, Solomon said that he served on the search committees which picked Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan and Westfield High School Principal Peter Renwick, which he identified as some of the biggest issues the board faced. Solomon has pointed to his service in chairing the finance, facilities and policy committees, along with being liaison to the town's communications advisory board and recreation commission. He points to many of his accomplishments as being part of the full board.

"I take great pride in being a member of the board during a time when we have brought many special ed students back into the district, creating a better educational experience for them and saving money at the same time," Solomon said. "We successfully created an early childhood center, built a state-of-the-art science wing on the high school, and instituted an energy conservation program that has saved the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in utility costs."

If reelected, Solomon said he wants to work on issues addressing the increasing enrollment in the school system and at the high school. Enrollment forecasts show that the high school will grow to 2,000 students within the next few years, from the current 1,700 plus students.

He said the growing population at the high school will require decisions regarding academic, extracurricular and athletic offerings with the extra students. He also said that the current fiscal situation and state regulations will require tough decisions for the board and he would like to be a part of making those decisions.

"It will take very creative thinking to solve these issues," Solomon said. "I look forward to working with the rest of the board, the administration, the parents and the rest of the community to find solutions."

Solomon is an executive with CBS Television. He and his wife, Amy Seid, have two sons in high school.

Solomon is one of five candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education in the April 20 election. Incumbents Ginny Leiz and Julia Walker are running, along with newcomers Susan Conover and Mitch Slater. The April election will also include voting on the school budget proposal. Board of Education members serve three year terms and are not compensated.

Editor's Note: Richard Solomon's son, Josh, is an intern for Westfield Patch. Josh Solomon played no role in this article and does not play a role in covering the Board of Education election.