In any election, it’s easy to point fingers and cast blame. It’s far more challenging to show measurable results and provide the community with real benefits. Unfortunately, while some members of the opposing campaign have spent their time finding excuses for why they have been ineffective, we have been hard at work making sure the students, parents, and taxpayers of Hardyston are seeing real progress.
Over the past several years, we have consistently delivered on our promises, providing benefits that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and community. Here’s what we’ve accomplished while others were simply searching for someone to blame:
1. Improved School Security
We’ve made student safety our top priority, and our actions back it up. From Retired Police Officers (RPOs) to increased safety measures around our schools, our team has worked diligently to ensure your children learn in the safest environment. While some criticize or dismiss these efforts, the board minutes show the reality: our team voted to fund RPOs—and the opposition voted against these measures.
Key Highlights:
- Increased security personnel in our schools.
- Increased physical security measures within the schools.
- Collaboration with local law enforcement to create a safer school environment.
2. Fiscal Responsibility and Efficient Budgeting
While others continue to make empty promises about being “fiscally responsible,” our track record speaks for itself. We have managed to keep the budget under the cap while improving student services and programs. Unlike those who voted against the budget funding security, we believe in balancing fiscal responsibility and the safety and education of our children.
Key Highlights:
- Budget under the cap without cutting vital programs or services.
- Strategic allocation of resources that enhances education while maintaining financial prudence.
- Infrastructure improvements, including new boilers and building upgrades, are all funded responsibly.
3. Enhancing Education Without Cutting Services
We didn’t take the easy route of slashing programs when faced with tough decisions about budget cuts due to state funding changes. Instead, our team found innovative solutions to keep services running and expand offerings without burdening the community with higher taxes.
Our Ad-Hoc Committee, which we helped establish, brought creative solutions like shared services with neighboring districts, allowing us to expand services at lower costs. While some have stood by, looking for things to cut, we took action, and the results speak for themselves.
Key Highlights:
- Expanded educational services despite state aid reductions.
- No cuts to programs—all while keeping the budget intact.
- Shared services agreements that reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
4. Real Leadership That Puts Community First
We don’t hide behind complaints about why things can’t be done. Instead, we find ways to make things happen. Whether it’s at the board meetings or within the community, we’ve remained engaged and responsive to parents, teachers, and students. Our commitment to transparency and collaboration is unmatched, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done.
Key Highlights:
- Active participation in community events like the PTA meetings and Hardyston Day. We didn’t just show up once during the election cycle, we’ve been here all along.
- Regularly communicate with parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
- Transparency and integrity in every decision we make.
The Bottom Line: Action, Not Excuses
While others may continue to point fingers and blame external factors for their ineffectiveness, we stand on a record of actual accomplishments. Hardyston deserves leaders who find solutions—not excuses. And as we look ahead, we remain committed to improving our schools, ensuring student safety, and managing the district’s budget responsibly.
We don’t make excuses. We deliver results.
Let’s continue to work together for the future of Hardyston’s schools.