The district is about to implement a new math program, hire two new teachers and also has plans to build two classrooms onto the Viola L. Sickles School. Murray and Brasch said it is important to ensure the district meets the needs of all students as it implements these changes. Brasch also said she wants to ensure the growing number of students in the schools doesn't affect the quality of education. Smith said the district should carefully examine all new programs to guarantee they are a perfect fit for the school children.
All candidates support creating a strategic plan for the district.
The board expects to start working with the community to draft a plan in April. Murray said her priority is keeping class sizes small. Walrath and Smith place a heavy emphasis on coordinating with Rumson schools to ensure pupils in both districts are on the same educational level when they enter Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. Walrath said parents, the board and the towns have recently improved their relationship and she wants that to continue. Brasch wants the board to keep senior citizens and other taxpayers informed about district issues, such as overcrowding, so they will be supportive of plans to address those problems.