We are at the head of the class in terms of graduation rates; class size; the number of high schools offering advanced placement courses that allow students to earn college credit—as well as students’ test scores on those courses; the percentage of students taking the SATs to get into college; and fourth-grade math and reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called the Nation’s Report Card.

By and large, New Jersey’s public school system works well. And it works best when citizens get involved.

On Tuesday, April 19, voters in more than 90 percent of New Jersey’s school districts will have that opportunity during the 2005 Annual School Election. Voters will decide on their school district’s annual budget and they will select the citizens to represent their interests on the school board.

Public education in New Jersey is a particularly democratic institution. While citizen elections of school board members is common nationwide, only seven other states hold elections to decide the school budget as well.

Clearly, communities need a strong voice for their schools. They need people who can ensure that the taxpayers’ investment delivers a quality education that keeps New Jersey’s schools among the strongest in the nation. That is why voting in the Annual School Election is so crucial.