Managing growth with costs is a concern I take seriously not only as a BOE candidate, but as a Westfield resident, home owner, and taxpayer.
As a financial services professional with more than 20+ years of experience, six of which were spent with a Big 4 accounting firm, I am not afraid of numbers and will bring all of my skills to bear in this space.
I will scrutinize expenditures and encourage our district to take advantage of every possible means to increase revenues outside of the tax base. That may include continuing aggressive grant seeking, maximizing federal funds wherever possible, and encouraging fundraising.
I am also the daughter of a public school teacher. Every year I am shocked at items on class supply lists; parents are asked to provide basics like classroom cleaning supplies. I also participated in and witnessed the tireless efforts of PTOs working to fundraise for basics.
All of this is not unique to Westfield; nationally we have been feeling the impact of a decline in federal and state funds for education. In NJ, we are further hamstrung by state laws that limit local school districts to manage their budgets, and everyone has felt the pain. Including the taxpayers.
Some bright spots to consider: 1. The Town’s March 2024 announcement about the budget and fields has long term potential; the town may ultimately oversee the care and maintenance for every field. This change will help address significant costs for the BOE, was welcome news, and meets the financial and educational challenges head on. I would encourage and support more joint efforts like this.
2. Despite the fact that Westfield spends less per student than comparable towns, we have an excellent educational system and this not only benefits students, but also ensures strong property values.
3. I have already taken action to promote district growth while keeping costs low, if not neutral. My dual credit (DC) proposal is based on my success in advocating for the recent adoption of the WHS DC Holocaust and Genocide Studies elective. DC would allow us to potentially expand programming while managing costs and partnering with local schools like Union County College and Kean. It would allow students to earn college credits while in high school.
Similar is my recommendation for expanding enrichments using WHS Robotics as a model of managed growth. This tier 2 student activity is aligned with FIRST, the world’s leading non-profit advancing STEM education. In my years coaching this team, I saw how much it benefitted the kids and our community, as well as the cost effective nature of the club. I further recommend considering expanding this program beyond middle and high school, perhaps bringing in our kindergarten and elementary schools to play and compete through their LEGO League program.
If elected, I promise to continue promoting growth through cost effective means, reviewing any proposed costs carefully, and maximizing revenues outside the tax base whenever and wherever possible.
I look forward to earning your vote on April 16th.
Julie Steinberg
Candidate
Westfield Board of Education
