My wife and I made a big decision many years ago. It was a decision with which we are extremely pleased. We chose to move to Haddonfield. As fairly new young parents of Haddonfield, we have become tremendously proud of this community and its history.
Those of us who moved here have enjoyed a high quality of life for one main reason: the residents before us made the difficult — but correct — decisions to make it an exceptional place to live, and a place for our children to learn.
We are standing on the shoulders of generations who had the courage to seize opportunities, make smart investments in their community, and never abandon their goal of making Haddonfield what it is today.
This Tuesday, it is OUR time. Our time to make a decision that will last for generations.
It’s OUR chance to make the responsible decision for the future of this community by voting YES for the referendum to acquire Bancroft.
The thrust of the anti-referendum argument on this matter is a financial one. Of course, financial considerations are important and I would argue that the Borough and Board of Education couldn’t have come as far as they have without sound financial management. Being named “The Best Place to Live” doesn’t happen by accident.
The anti-referendum group spent time showing a lowball appraisal. Anyone familiar with appraisals understands that they only frame the negotiation; it’s the negotiation that sets the price. I don’t know more than the BOE about the future of our schools and what’s best for ALL the children. I have faith in them and support their decision.
During my studies of the referendum issues, I have come to realize that the residents of Haddonfield will feel pain either way. The pain of a YES vote is set. Yes, $13-$15 per month can hurt. We have a couple years before the bond hits in which to make any necessary family financial adjustments.
Pain is significant with a NO vote as well. What if Bancroft builds up as they insist? Attorney’s fees will cost us. What if more affordable housing is required and we don’t have this site to utilize? Where, in our city limits, will the housing be built? Did you know New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the Unites States? I didn’t. What if more families move to Haddonfield for the same reasons we did? Future home buyers will love the school, the teachers, the principal. Who wouldn’t?
They will see, as my wife and I did, that children here obtain an education similar to those in private schools, sans the private school price tag. Without additional land, where would the BOE put the new children that move here?
My wife and I like the small class sizes for the girls. If I vote NO, can I tell young families that visit: “Sorry… the school’s full- try somewhere else.”? I’m glad no one told us this, we love it here. If I say NO to the referendum, where will any additional new kids go? Another district? We live close to the borough line… what if my child is selected to be bused elsewhere? The anti-referendum group said “They don’t need walls, they need computers.” Sorry. We have a higher sense of security when they are between the walls with those great principals and loving teachers.
People that we trust and know will protect and nourish our children while we are at work. Not on a computer talking to people I don’t know or trust. WOW! Where else could $13-$15 a month be better spent than on peace of mind.
My dear neighbors, we need to continue to make sacrifices to have one of the best communities and schools in the country. My wife and I, similar to many young parents, have paid taxes for years to get our kids in the Haddonfield School system. Our part of the Bancroft referendum tax is a fraction of these costs.
A new building, STEM site, maybe a library, potholes, we will pay either way. The anti-referendum group will say “We already pay the highest property taxes!”. This is not a news flash. Others say to the likes “We will move away once our kids graduate.” “ We(Haddonfield) aren’t all that.” Really? YES, WE ARE ALL THAT! That’s why you’re staying put through your child’s graduation.
Many of us understand there will always be a tax burden to be the BEST. That’s why many of us are here. Small class sizes, new curriculum, a computer room, art room, music class, Spanish class, and those wonderful loving teachers (All of them! Where do they find them? I hope our kids appreciate what they have!). There is a price that comes with being the best and getting the best. There is also an obligation and a sacrifice if you want to stay that way. Make no mistake, living in Haddonfield is expensive.
But it will be expensive either way.
To those who’ve sacrificed before us to make the Haddonfield community and schools the best, I say Thank you. Thank you more than I can express.
This Tuesday, it is OUR time to make the decision that will last generations. It’s OUR chance to make the right decision for the future of our neighbors, our community, our schools, our children, our friends and our families. Vote YES for the referendum to acquire Bancroft.
Eric Johnson
