msockol 2.0

I was recently asked to write this Board of Education column which appeared in the August editions of the Holmdel Happenings and Holmdel Journal.

One summer while I was in college, I worked as a janitor in a local elementary school.  Spending eight hours a day scrubbing desks and scraping off dried bubble gum offered vivid evidence that a school district stays busy even during the hazy days of summer.

Summer is a time for taking stock, anticipating challenges, and setting goals to ensure our school district continues to provide one of the best public educational systems in the country.   It’s a … Continue Reading

The Andersons. Can a cup of Maxwell House be far away?

When I was a boy, there were only one type of coffee and two true ways to drink it–black or light (which was shorthand for cream and sugar at any nearby Dunkin Donuts shop).  My Dad, who drank more coffee than I thought humanly possible, liked his cup extra light.  In most restaurants, it cost about a … Continue Reading

On Tuesday, voters in Holmdel will make two key decisions–who do they want on the Board of Education and do they approve the proposed school budget for the 2010-11 school year.

Over the last few days, the school district has posted more details about the proposed budget and the staffing cuts that will take place, even if the budget passes.   According to district’s newsletter, 16 positions will be eliminated, including one administrator, 6 teachers, and 9 non-certified staff members.  The Board has also asked all staff members to accept a salary freeze. 

The school district’s home page has more details, including … Continue Reading