Superintendent outlines goals of 2007-08 budget BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent KEYPORT - Superintendent of Schools C. Dan Blachford attended a Borough Council meeting Feb. 20 to make a presentation on priority items for this year's school budget. Complete with pictures, slides and graphs, Blachford's presentation highlighted the need for physical, structural, curriculum-based and learning material-based improvements to both Keyport High and Central School. Of the many items discussed, the first Blachford mentioned was the roof at Central School. "There are leaks, puddles and splashing inside the building," he said. Blachford also emphasized the need for new social studies textbooks at the high school and expressed concern over the unit ventilators at the school. Commenting further on the physical state of the school, Blachford added that there is need for a new bathroom, and the windows must be replaced at both schools. Shifting his discussion to issues involving the curriculum, Blachford expressed dismay over the language arts program at Central School. "The current program is from 1999. The kids are not going to learn. The new series will be online, and the students can download lessons after class," he said of the new model, which allows more effective testing. Targeting the science curriculum for upgrade, Blachford would like to see digital microscopes in use in the science labs. "They will make science more exciting. Digital images are impressive," he said. Central School Vice Principal Jay Medlin also attended the meeting to discuss new programs that have been implemented into the curriculum at his school. "We are now teaching history with a project-based orientation instead of just a memorization of facts approach. The kids learn by doing. We will not be relying as much on textbooks," Medlin stated. He also explained that this type of learning creates a need for the improvements that Blachford hopes to cover in the budget. Blachford then discussed his initiatives for the high school, where he wants to upgrade technology, particularly with computers. He then showed pictures of software-driven demonstrations in both physics and mathematics classes and stated, "Kids really learn concepts when they are depicted graphically." Blachford said new media and guidance software would cost about $20,000. He would also like to see software targeted toward at-risk children that assists them in improving reading fluency and comprehension. Discussing a program called Pix Writer, Blachford stated, "CD-ROMs go into the computers, and there is an immediate feedback to the students. When they finish a chapter, they can take a test and know the scores immediately." Blachford acknowledged that upgrades cost money, and acknowledged that 52 percent of the school budget comes from Keyport residents, although some tuition comes from Union Beach. "Keyport is not overspending. We are doing a good job. Unfortunately, we have had increases in pension payments and health insurance premiums this year," he said. Discussing instances in which the school district saved money for the residents, Blachford mentioned a $53,000 savings on the woodshop along with free removal of a bad boiler system in one of the schools. Elaborating on cost-saving measures, Blachford introduced Gail Wovna, director of curriculum for the district, who he said Wovna applies for and writes grants every year. This past year, the grants received by the district amounted to over $1.2 million, he said. Wovna briefly highlighted what was accomplished with that money and discussed a partnership that the high school enjoys with Brookdale Community College. Concluding his presentation, Blachford offered a brief statement summarizing the goals of the upcoming budget. "It's all about key priorities," he said. As of Friday, a date had not been set for a public hearing on the 2007-08 school budget. This year's board and school budget elections will be held April 17.