READ: BOE President's Speech to Gov. Christie

Editor's note: The following is Bloomfield Board of Education President Joseph Lopez's full speech he intended to read during Tuesday at Bloomfield High School. The letter was instead given to Christie's Regional Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Matt Mowers. It was also read out loud at the Tuesday night's BOE meeting.

I would like to welcome the Governor to Bloomfield High School and we appreciate it very much that you have taken time out of your busy schedule to visit us.

Bloomfield is a growing town that is rich in culture and diversity. We take pride in our property and our town. Bloomfield is a community that does all it can to meet our childrens' needs. For example, last year, we were one of the few townships in the state of New Jersey to pass a school budget and a referendum to build a new field for our children. We are a town, that if it needs to be done, can pick ourselves up by our own bootstraps.

Mr. Governor, you as I, are fully aware of how the economy has had a devastating effect on our people, and you sir, rather than kick the can to the next administration have taken the bull by the horns. I respect that. The fact is that high property taxes, added onto this poor economy, has taken away the American dream from many. But like you Mr. Governor, several board members and myself have been proactive. And we were able to implement your proposals and legislation successfully.

Three years ago when I came into office, board members were giving the superintendent a 6.9 raise when there were projected deficits, approving illegal and unethical contracts and the hiring of questionable personnel. When several of my colleagues and myself got into office, we reversed that.

Just recently we hired a superintendent who falls under the superintendent cap and who will receive merit raises rather than automatic raises as done in the past. Last year with the austere budget cuts from the state, we were able to cut 6.5 million from our budget and we are still able to run the district efficiently. Out of that 6.5 million that was cut, over half a million was from the administration.

This year we put more money into the classroom by investing half a million dollars in hiring more teachers to reduce classroom sizes. In regards to the 2 per cent property tax cap, we not only came under the 2 per cent but came under 3 per cent. We must be fiscally responsible, reduce the tax burden on our residents, spend tax dollars more efficiently and provide our children with a quality education.

Once again, thank you Mr. Governor and Bloomfield is a success story you can use.