Primary Learning Center, Laurelton School closings are a done deal
No truth to rumors of privatization of busing, cafeteria, super says
BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer

BRICK TOWNSHIP - The school district's Primary Learning Center and the Laurelton School will close, no matter what happened in Tuesday's election.

That was one of several points interim Superintendent of Schools Melindo A. Persi made at the April 8 Township Council meeting. Persi said he attended the meeting to "clear the air" about rumors and misconceptions surrounding the April 15 school board election.

Rumors in town that the PLC and the Laurelton School would stay open if the $141,104,370 budget were defeated are false, he said.

"That's the farthest thing from the truth," Persi said. "They are closed - period. Regardless of what occurs as far as the budget is concerned. The budget is bare bones."

The election results were not available when the Bulletin went to press on Monday night.

School officials are looking at the PLC as a future potential revenue source rather than a home for the district's preschool and kindergarten classes.

"We are working very diligently to make that a revenue source," Persi told the council. We want to work with a third party to provide either a preschool or daycare center that would help to alleviate some of the problems we are going through."

The district will be faced with the same problems next year - declining enrollment and reduced state aid - he said.

"We are losing 250 students a year," he said. "By next year we will lose another 250. The enrollment is down and the state aid is down. That's all the good news for next year."

Persi said he also wanted to address misconceptions about the second question on the ballot, which asks voters to approve $150,000 to hire a school security supervisor and secretary.

"There seems to be some confusion with respect to the security officer," he said.

The state attorney general in 1999 mandated school districts and police departments to come up with an annual "memorandum of agreement" to address school security issues, Persi said.

Persi said he reviewed the document and found 36 items the school district should be involved in on an ongoing basis. Residents have asked him over the past few months why the "safest community in the country" needs a security officer in the school district, he said.

"We want to be proactive and have a person to coordinate activities within the school district, given the current climate in the country," he said.

Councilman Brian DeLuca told Persi he had reviewed the duties posted in the job description for the security officer.

"I thank God you're not my manager," he joked. "It's frightening when you look at that and think about the kind of things that maybe are not being coordinated right now," Persi said.

DeLuca also asked Persi to "clear up a rumor" that the district is planning to privatize the transportation department and the cafeteria services. DeLuca served as Board of Education president in 2007, until he resigned in December after winning a seat on the Township Council.

Persi's answer was no on both counts.

"We felt we could do better operating our own operation," he said.

The district purchased new transportation coordination software last year, but is still looking to consolidate some bus routes, Persi said.

School officials have also contacted other school districts to see if Brick could possibly transport some of their students for extra revenue, he said.

The cafeteria program may be revamped, including providing breakfast in district schools for more revenue, Persi said.

"Food prices are going up and participation hasn't followed," he said.

Councilman Anthony Matthews asked Persi how much time the Township Council would have to review the school budget, if it were defeated.

"Thirty days," Persi replied.

"The state, in its infinite wisdom, expects us to go through a $130 millionplus budget in 30 days, in addition to our other duties?" Matthews said.

"Correct," Persi replied.

Matthews praised Persi for the work he has done since the Board of Education appointed him to serve as interim superintendent until November. Persi was tapped to take over when then- Superintendent Robert L. Seidenberger resigned in July 2007.

"You've been probably the hardestworking superintendent," he told Persi. "You've been open. I think you've been upfront about everything. I want to thank you on behalf of my children for what you do and for everything you have done for Brick Township."

Board of Education President Cynthia McCarthy also addressed the council and urged residents to vote in the election.

"Whether you vote for or against the budget, you have to vote," she said. "I think the people in Trenton are relying on us to fall back asleep again. There is no excuse. There is absolutely no excuse."