Board of Education Candidate Profile: William Koch

This is the first in a series of profiles of the four Board of Education members seeking three available seats in the April 20 school board elections.

The same questions were provided to all four candidates for the Board of Education and these answers are in their own words. Space limits were provided on each question. Editing was done for grammar and style but not substance. The questions and answers are provided to allow you the voter to hear directly from the candidates on the key issues impacting the public schools.

Name: William Koch

Address: 15 Brittany Place

Length of Time in Town: 23 years

Family: Married with twp daughters; one a Ridge graduate, one currently in RHS

Education: United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

Professional: Over 25 years, brokerage experience (senior vice president), currently with Roundstone Healthcare Partners as a principal with Roundstone Funding Solutions

Community Service/Activities/Experience:

• Four years of military service, U.S. Army, served in Vietnam and Germany – Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star (2), Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, Air Medals (9), Army Commendation Medal
• Bernards Recreation Advisory Committee (chairman)
• Township Master Plan Committee
• Recreation Department (soccer coach)

Questions:

1)    What do you think are the three biggest issues currently facing the Bernards school district?

1. Maintaining or improving the K-12 program for our entire spectrum of students in these tough economic  times.
2. Mitigation of cost liabilities (especially in the areas of healthcare and energy consumption).
3. Keeping a dedicated focus on the maintenance of our facilities both on a regular basis and in line with our five-year master plan.
   

2)    Please explain your positions on these issues: (Please limit your answers to 175 words per issue)

1. Despite the success we have had with all areas (elementary, middle school, high school and special education) we need to evaluate. Can we operate as well (or better) yet more efficiently?  I fully agree with reviewing programs and staffing  positions to increase our efficiency.
2. We have been evaluating cost consumption and have selected programs (if not already implemented). We need to continue and be more aggressive. Venders and other ancillary programs must be explored. Areas or programs that may be affected could include (but are not limited to) onsite energy monitoring, dependent healthcare eligibility audits, overpayment recovery programs, energy savings education programs and healthcare funding options. I also feel strongly that, where possible, revenue sharing opportunities should be explored
3. As most residents know, we recently completed a much needed ($50+ million) expansion project in our district that touched almost every one of our district sites. While a substantial amount of capital projects were addressed then, we now have to realize that our sites continue to age. Deferred projects will only continue become more expensive. We need to address them and to follow our five year master plan.
   

3)    What is your position on Gov. Chris Christie's proposed constitutional amendment to implement a 2.5% cap on property tax increases? What impact would this impact have on the Bernards public schools? (Please limit your answer to 250 words)

I would be disappointed to see a 2.5% cap imposed the following year after our state aide was basically eliminated. The Governor has made mention of creating "tools" that a school district would be able to use going forward. I hope he follows up and I would hope that the state properly evaluates an appropriate funding formula.

4)    If this year's school budget is passed, early predictions for the 2011-12 school year call for a $1.3 million budget shortfall. How would you recommend that the district face the coming funding challenges (i.e. program cuts, tax increases, etc)? (Please limit your answer to 250 words)

Were the 2.5% cap be imposed, the $1.3 Million shortfall we discussed in board presentations would probably become a fact. The board has already indicated that we anticipate further declining enrollments and staff retirements ($300,000) and further program cuts ($1 million) to cover the shortfall. I would hope that some of any savings from mitigation efforts will lesson the amount of program cuts. I would prefer to avoid consideration of any further tax increases.

5)    What skills do you bring to this position? (Please limit your answer to 250 words)

Leadership learned in the military, used in the financial world and paralleled in non-profit management positions. I have over seven years of school board experience that includes three years as President, two years as finance chairman and I have been on the negotiating committee for four successful labor contracts. I am also on the Board of Directors for a 57 unit condo complex in Florida.

6)    Why are you running for the Board of Education? (Please limit your answer to 250 words)

I believe that I can continue to provide counsel and leadership that will continue to make our district one of the best in the state of New Jersey and nationally. I appreciate the seven+ years of school board experience that I have gained and would like to put it to further use.  Bernards Township has rare combination of eager, productive students and active and supportive parents and I consider it an honor to do my best for them.

7)    How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations? (Please limit your answer to 250 words)

A school board member can normally anticipate two public meetings a month. In addition to those public meetings there is usually a committee meeting once a month (board members normally serve on two or three committees), plus any liaison positions (township, county, NJSBA, etc). Combine the meetings with public discussions, email responses, emergency sessions and  any board reading material and I find it quite a demanding schedule. That being said, I have been able to juggle schedules for over seven years, have missed very few meetings and anticipate continuing being able to do so.

8)    Are the Bernards public schools better off now than where they were three years ago? (Please limit your answer to 250 words)

YES.

• We have completed a $50+ million expansion project on time, under budget and the facilities are being actively used and appreciated.
• The district continues to receive State and National recognition (Newsweek, Forbes, Trulia and the US Department of Education Blue Ribbon awards to mention a few).
• Our test scores at all levels continue to show the educational quality of ALL of our students.
• We send almost 100% of our students on to college. And in college they continue to excel so our district's reputation within the collegiate ranks is also improving.
• Our students also continue to excel through their extra-curricular activities making them well rounded young adults.
• And we continue to explore ways to improve, not settle