Put East Brunswick students first, vote yes on bond referendum

At this time of year we are reminded of how precious our families and children are in our lives. I know I wouldn’t trade my family for anything in the world.

It is because of our family that my husband and I chose to settle in East Brunswick, because of the quality of life this township offers — wonderful sports and recreational opportunities, an award-winning library, and a nationally recognized school system.

It is also why I am asking all East Brunswick voters to join me in supporting the bond referendum on Dec. 14 to address the aging and overcrowded public school facilities. A positive outcome will mean an almost-new middle school and expanded and renovated Central and Lawrence Brook elementary schools.

Especially during the holiday season, we count our blessings — that we live in America, where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive and to make a difference in our world.

As Americans we take pride in our educational system, and we want to offer the best opportunities possible to our children to guarantee their success throughout life. That’s why I am horrified that our current buildings are inadequate for our children.

Often, as I have visited Hammarskjold Middle School, I have seen crowded hallways and classrooms. Circuits have blown when I have plugged in the coffeepot for meetings. How can we have state-of-the-art computer labs and technology programs when we don’t have the proper infrastructure to support them?

So, your help is needed. Unless we all vote yes for the Dec. 14 school bond referendum, there is no guarantee that we can uphold our reputation as a nationally recognized school district or that state monies will continue to be available in the future. A no vote is a vote against education.

We can’t be Scrooges or Grinches this holiday season. To deny our children quality educational facilities would mean holding back resources from the future leaders of America.

Our kids deserve better than trailers. We can’t keep crowding more than 1,500 students into a school with a capacity for half that number and expect them to excel.

I urge you to vote yes — for the kids.

Lorraine Spiotta

co-president

Hammarskjold Middle School PTA

East Brunswick