BOE Candidates Weigh In at Public Forum

With six candidates running, the field for the Moorestown Board of Education is crowded. But the public had a chance to hear where nearly all the candidates stand on a variety of issues during last night’s Candidates Forum at the middle school.

The forum, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Burlington County and Moorestown Home & School Association, let audience members ask questions directly of the candidates on topics ranging from how they would keep taxes down while maintaining programs to the district’s biggest challenges and opportunities.

The candidates running for the board are: Chris Moye, Brandon Pugh, Joseph Ruccolo, Sheryl Sawin, Dimitri Schneiberg and David Weinstein. Five of the six candidates attended. Moye was out of town on business and submitted a statement in his absence. (The statement is attached to this article as a PDF.)

What follows is a synopsis of the topics that were covered during the forum.

What’s more important: keeping taxes low or preserving programs?

All of the candidates stated they were supportive of maintaining educational programs—as long as the programs demonstrated clear value.

Pugh said, “This is something school districts will always struggle with. There needs to be a delicate balance … We should not have any frivolous spending.”

Ruccolo suggested breaking down each program and evaluating its value based on one question: “How is it benefiting kids?”

Sawin also said examining priorities is key and that reaching out to school faculty is one of the best ways to determine what those priorities are.

Weinstein, the only incumbent in the race, added, “I would choose anytime to keep a program, if every last blessed dollar was needed to pay for that program … Students first, that’s our goal.”

What, if any, changes would you make to the budgeting process?

Pugh said, even though it would be more time-consuming, he favors a “from the ground up” approach to creating the budget.

Schneiberg said he also liked the idea of zero-sum budgeting—though “maybe not ever year”—versus baseline budgeting, in which the budget is created based on the previous year’s template.

“The problem with (zero-sum budgeting) is you miss the big picture,” he said.

What’s the most important curriculum change that could be made?

A few of the candidates mentioned improving the district’s use of technology as a key component to improving its education. Schneiberg said Moorestown is below the state average for the number of computers per student, and pointed to the iPad as a valuable learning tool as well.

“It makes the learning much more individualized for the student,” he said.

Weinstein and Sawin mentioned increased opportunities for internships and service learning as effective methods for educating students.

While recognizing the value of technology, Sawin, who has a background in education, also noted the importance of emphasizing fundamental learning skills, such as writing.

“There are basic skills that will equip our students to be more competitive … and those need to be supported as well,” she said.

How will you contribute to maintaining a positive relationship with the Moorestown Education Association (MEA)?

Ruccolo said he would focus on keeping an open line of communication with the MEA.

“Those who know me know the first thing I do is reach out to everyone,” he said. “The only way you can understand the right side (of an issue) is to understand the other side.”

Schneiberg, owner and principal of LearnQuest, said his experience in the private sector has taught him the importance of having “very happy, enthusiastic, motivated” employees—in this case, teachers.

Weinstein lamented the bruised relationship that exists between the faculty and the school board, saying, “A frank discussion has to be had … What the governor did two years ago is riled up a feeling that has yet to go away … That’s what we’re missing—the togetherness of the board and the staff.”

Thoughts on naming rights and advertising as a source of alternative revenue

All of the candidates said they supported using advertising as a means to raise revenue for the district without raising taxes. Yet Ruccolo echoed the sentiments of his opponents when he said it’s a good idea, “if it’s done in good taste.”

“I’m for advertising, if it’s done right,” said Weinstein. “An ad on a backstop? Yes. In the middle of the classroom? No way. In the hallway? It depends.”

What are the biggest challenges and the biggest opportunities facing the district?

Ruccolo — Challenge: Health care. “Insurance costs are rising dramatically.” / Opportunity: Incredible teachers; families that are so involved.

Sawin — Challenge: Finances / Opportunity: Talent of the faculty

Pugh — Challenge: Capital projects / Opportunity: Excellent schools

To learn more about the candidates, read their individual profiles by following the links below:

• Chris Moye
• Brandon Pugh
• Joseph Ruccolo
• Sheryl Sawin
• Dimitri Schneiberg
• David Weinstein