Lakewood Board of Education members have a lot of work to do

I wish to extend my congratulations to Leonard Thomas, Chet Galdo and Abraham Ostreicher as they take their new positions on the Lakewood Board of Education. I know that each of them understands that a difficult task lies ahead and that they are committed to doing the hard work required to ensure that all of our children receive the education they deserve.

I would also like to encourage all Lakewood residents to pause and consider that our school board is at a crossroads.

With the election of three new board members we have the opportunity to seize a new beginning. Let us put the past rancor and discord behind us, roll up our sleeves and work together to solve the difficult challenges that face us.

The hard truth is that we must choose either to be part of the solution or part of the problem. The time for finger pointing and assigning blame is past. What we need now from our residents and the board members, new and old, are character, commitment and compromise. These three traits will afford us the strength to make the difficult choices, the patience to stay the course in spite of the inevitable "pain" they may cause and the wisdom to recognize a good idea even when it comes from the "other guy."

Since the proposed school budget has been defeated, a copy will be sent to the Township Committee for review. We will meet with the board as required by law to discuss that budget. The Township Committee is committed to helping our schools and our children succeed. I encourage everyone to get involved in a positive way and help us to turn the corner and push toward a bright future for our children.

Raymond Coles

Mayor

Lakewood