September 2023
Dear Fellow Mendham Township Resident:
I write to ask you to re-elect me as your representative on the West Morris Regional High School Board of Education.
In starting my initial run to represent you, I stated: “In a life full of good fortune, attending Mendham High School remains among the very best things to ever happen to me. Quite simply, I want every student in Mendham Township to be able to say the same thing for many generations to come.” As the current Board President starting a new campaign, my passion continues to be providing that same experience to every generation of students.
I committed last time to pursuing my passion through “respectful engagement with students, parents, taxpayers, Board members and the superintendent.” I accomplished what I committed to, as noted by a Randolph resident who complimented me on the civil, respectful discussion at a tense meeting and stated that would never happen in Randolph.
RESPECTFUL ENGAGEMENT DELIVERS EXCELLENCE.
Programs for All Students. (1) IB certificates added, giving students in the middle and lower third of the class significantly greater chance of acceptance to a most or highly competitive college; (2) Unified sports added, joining students with and without disability in athletic competition; (3) Awards won by music, world language and mock trial programs.
Facilities. (1) Auditorium lighting and sound system, (2) stadium lights (3) bleachers; (4) turf fields; (4) track; (5) bathrooms; (6) media center; (7) modern lighting; (8) boiler; (9) fitness center, and (10) a new science room. All added, refurbished and/or replaced on a pay as you go basis.
Well-Managed Costs. Despite cost increases outside Board control often far exceeding 2% and extensive facility work, tax increases at or under 2% in most years.
Covid. Pivoted to remote learning just 3 days after shutdown and students in class, engaged and learning as soon as possible. Nobody’s idea of perfect, but far exceeding most districts.
Transparency. District curricula and reading list (over 700 items) are available on the district website.
Board President. Providing Mendham Township a leadership voice for the last 8 years.
ALWAYS MORE TO DO.
Hire/Retain Outstanding Educators. With teacher supply shrinking and the threat of politics overtaking education, focus on being a preferred destination for the best professionals is a must.
Respect Every Student, All Ideas. In a time when personal attacks often overshadow civil treatment and reasoned discussion, constant vigilance is required.
Facilities. Responsible management requires constant attention to items such as paving, roofing, and classroom, cafeteria and field house renovations. I have been working hard on these projects and possibly more using a referendum designed to result in at least equal and hopefully lower taxes depending upon state aid.
RANKINGS
NJ.Com ranked Mendham High 11th among comprehensive (no admissions requirements) high schools in April. NJ Monthly last ranked high schools in 2018, placing Mendham 7th among comprehensive high schools. Zillow gives Mendham a 10/10 on college readiness. But what’s up with U.S. News and World Report, which recently ranked Mendham 42 among NJ comprehensive high schools? U.S. News does not appear to be properly accounting for Mendham's dual offering of IB and AP programs. We have written to U.S. News in an effort to correct its methodology. No promises, but when the district made a similar effort with NJ Monthly 10 years ago Mendham’s ranking improved from 45 to 4.
HARD ISSUES
Civil, respectful engagement is the key to reaching compromise and likewise will be key to making sure Mendham High does not become embroiled in the national politics roiling school districts.
CONCLUSION
Please vote for me (#2 on the ballot) on November 7 to continue delivering excellence by using a respectful, civil, non-partisan approach to provide more program and facility improvements for Mendham High School in a fiscally disciplined manner and to focus on retaining and hiring the best educators.
Respectfully yours,
Rob Strobel
973-647-4537
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Website: strobelforschoolboard.com
Facebook: Strobel For School Board