Mr. Samson’s Response to the Second in a Series of Questions to the 2024 BOE Candidates

It goes without saying that opening the budget process to the public is a big step forward. I am a strong proponent of transparency in government.

I don’t think investing in the safety of our children while on school property is profligate spending, but that money should be spent judiciously. While other districts can provide reading material, they should not serve as justification for spending in our district. Also, I disagree with several points in the “Unpopular Opinion on School Safety” article referenced below.

I believe the vast majority of the school(s) budget should be spent on students and teachers, not on administration. My motto on the subject is “a skinny government, is a good government” Proficiency problems have to be addressed at the roots: retain good teachers and enforce discipline on school property. While socialization is part of attending school, the purpose of schools is education.

When we go shopping, we look for the best product for least cost. In our households we live within a budget. We don’t get to impose yearly salary increases on our employers. I believe the same thinking should be applied in the school budget definition. The town administration has to learn to live within a budget, just like the community members.

Automatic tax increases to service a big appetite is not in the community’s interest.

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Read Arik Samson’s Response to Question 1: Transparency

Read All Contributions from 2024 Berkeley Heights BOE Candidates

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