A letter to the editor (published Oct. 10) reinforces the need for Ramsey residents to be fully informed about the Nov. 5 budget vote that could enable an All-Day Kindergarten expansion. The letter questioned whether all costs were appropriately calculated when voters were asked to approve a bond referendum in December 2018
Yes, costs were calculated and communicated to the public. But everyday operating costs (for staff and other program needs) cannot be part of a referendum that asks for permission to borrow for facility improvements. In school finance, those different methods of generating revenue require different voter consideration.
The letter also questioned the expense of resurfacing the High School’s track and turf field. This was one of the projects approved in the bond referendum. Both of those components of our High School facility are heavily used, not only for physical education classes but for after-school and community activities. They were in dire need of replacement. The turf field, for instance, was 14 years old — 4 years past the usual lifespan. By including those projects in the bond referendum, state aid covered a significant portion of the costs.
The Nov. 5 vote is the final piece of a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy to maintain Ramsey School District’s reputation as one of the very best. We urge all residents to learn why All-Day Kindergarten is an important part of that, and to vote on Nov. 5. For more information, go to www.ramsey.k12.nj.us and click on “Kindergarten Budget Vote,” and look for the next issue of News & Views in mailboxes soon.
