Chatham Borough Resident: 'The Proposal Dreams Big'

This latest Letter to the Editor was submitted to Chatham Patch by Chatham Borough resident, Jeff Truppo

Dear Editor,

I have been reading and listening to the commentary opposed to the referendum and have been trying to look at the issues and concerns from the perspectives offered. I support the referendum and our Board of Education, not because the referendum is perfect, but because it addresses a number of interdependent district needs, and most importantly, because the proposal dreams big.

The first perspective I have tried to understand is the financial lens. Some say the referendum is too costly. Retiring the debt service will cost the average taxpayer about $15.00 a month, based on a $700,000 home. At the same time, there are countless studies that show home prices are tied to both the perceptions and realities of the local public school system. I think we can all agree that we have a great deal to be thankful for when we look at the home prices in the Chathams. Relative to our increasing home values, an additional $15.00 a month is not unreasonable.

Then there are opinions that suggest that there should be a referendum, but that the focus of this particular referendum does not target the most imperative areas of our school district. While individually we all have our own ideas, some of which may not be addressed in this referendum, I’m not going to vote against an effort to make our school district better, just because the referendum isn’t perfect from my individual perspective. What piece of legislation, treaty, or statute is not a compromise? For those that propose going back to the drawing board, when interest on our loans will assuredly be more, do they think the “new” referendum will pass unanimously across the Chathams? Our Board of Education stepped up with our Superintendent and developed a referendum that addresses needs, speaks to what we think our community is, and also what we want our community to be. The notion of voting “no” because we think we can do better with a different plan, is a vote to stall and do nothing.

Lastly, the argument against the referendum that I find most disturbing is the notion that our school district and students should continue to do more with less. Should the firms, practices, and corporations many of our community members report to each workday stop dreaming big and focus less on the future? Great organizations do not achieve success by thinking small and keeping the status quo. Why should our schools, as an organization, be any different? Our students need to see us dream big for their organization, and perhaps they will do the same for the organizations they join, or perhaps start on their own, as adults.

This referendum is about increasing the number of classrooms, creating learning spaces for 21st century technology-enhanced classes, improving athletic facilities, and yes, building a new auditorium. Most importantly, this referendum is an important piece in the bigger picture of constantly striving to be an excellent organization. This referendum is an investment in education, and an investment in our current and future students.

Respectfully,

Jeff Truppo

Chatham Borough

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• Chatham Resident: Proposing Framework For Three-Question Format For Upcoming Referendum
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• Chatham Parent: Why I Support the Referendum and Board of Education