We are in an unprecedented economic climate that threatens our schools, but while we combat that threat it’s essential to also stop and appreciate all that’s great about them here in Madison.

Our teachers, staff and administration have done an excellent job, and today, more than ever, experience on the Board of Education is needed to help keep us focused on moving forward and not fall victim to a chant that ‘the sky is falling.’

I taught sixth grade in Madison for four years back in the late 70’s. After leaving teaching for a career in the insurance business, and having served as an interim member of the Board for several months in 2003, I decided three years ago to dive back into education and was elected to serve a full term. 

This was an expression of my lifetime passion for education and my desire to help ensure that Madison maintains its commitment to instructional excellence.

It is for these same reasons that this year I’m running for re-election to the Board.  I currently serve on the Board’s Curriculum and Policy committee as well as the Shared Service Committee that works with members of our Borough Council toward reducing costs, and this is work that I want to continue doing.

Three things worth noting up front:

Continued Top Performance

Madison has been, and always will be, a top performer because we have involved parents, engaged students, a top-notch staff and an administration that is always looking to move the district forward, even in tight times like we face today.

Overall, Madison performs consistently high in all areas of academic standardized testing.  We ALWAYS perform above state mean levels (it would be disastrous if we didn't) and we consistently come out ahead of our peer districts (“I” level districts in the District Factor Groups).

Commitment to the Arts and Athletics

Although we face a large financial challenge, the Board has faced it head-on and has made the necessary choices to keep all areas of the curriculum and educational experience strong. 

Where possible, the Board is looking to parents and affiliated organizations to help fill the areas where the Board has had to economize — athletics and other extra-curricular activities, and fourth grade instrumental music instruction. We need to work with our partners at the Madison Arts & Culture Alliance and the Madison Music Association to help fund areas we all feel are important.

Expand Internet Learning and Virtual Schools

We need to craft a leadership position in the push for Virtual Schools and the creation of Master Classes...all to help us keep our instruction at the level of the finest in New Jersey, and to offer our students more with less.

I welcome everyone’s input and look forward to discussing these and other issues at a Town Hall meeting I hope to announce the specifics of shortly. What I want this to be is an informal gathering to discuss issues with the public in a free-form fashion.  I hope the other candidates in this election come to participate in the dialogue as well, since the more views that are aired, the better it is for the voters, and even more importantly, for the kids.

—David Arthur
Board of Education candidate