Here is a look back at some of the people and events that made the news in 2012. Check back tomorrow for some more of what caught our attention.
By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Shamong Sun
As December comes to a close, here are some of the big stories from 2012.
Municipal government
The township’s budget was approved for $2,737,782.97.
The township was able to keep the local-purpose tax rate flat this year, and was considered “quite an accomplishment,” according to Mayor Jon Shevelew.
The school district makes up approximately 80 percent of tax bills.
Solar panels were installed on the municipal building and maintenance building through a Power Purchase Agreement.
According to township manager Sue Onorato, Shamong did not spend money for the panels.
A third party brought in the solar panels and the township will be purchasing the power from them at a reduced rate for a projection of 25 to 30 percent in savings each year.
Shamong was at odds with electric company PSE&G involving the clear-cutting of trees in the area.
PSE&G is actively removing and clearing trees to meet company safety requirements.
Currently, the company wants to completely eliminate the trees by clear-cutting the right-of-way by Indian Mills Road.
“PSE&G says that any of the trees that grow over three to 10 feet directly under the wire are limiting and will be removed. That includes every oak, every pine, every cherry in that area,” said Onorato in August.
In the fall, the township was told a different story by the electric company, claiming any tree four or five inches in diameter would be removed and the mature trees would be topped, according to Onorato.
The company has since said that statement was erroneous and should not have been verbally promised.
The township has reached out to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and has submitted a petition to end the clear-cutting. The township is waiting on a second response from the company.
Approximately 43 miles away, Atlantic City was severely damaged by high winds and flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy in late October.
Luckily for Shamong, the township weathered the storm with very little damage.
“Overall, we were very fortunate,” Onorato said following the superstorm.
According to Onorato, only about 300 homes lost power. Most of them had power restored by Oct. 31.
Currently, there are three public works full-time employees, all three of whom assisted in efforts with the New Jersey State Police, the Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company, EMS squad, Office of Emergency Management and the utility companies.
“Thanks to these men, who worked long and hard to maintain safe roadways and clear trees, the Atlantic City Electric Company was able to restore power promptly to our residents,” said Onorato. “Our public works staff continues to amaze us with what they can accomplish with just three hard-working men.”
School board
The school board announced it would not be raising taxes in Shamong.
The budget was set at $14,068,811, and meant no additional school taxes for Shamong residents.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dolores Szymanski said the district is “very fortunate” because of the way things played out in the last year, including using state health benefits plans.
“We were able to garner a great deal of savings from that, so, based on our preliminary budget, all programs will be intact for the coming year,” she said.
The United Way of Burlington County recognized Szymanski for her achievements in volunteerism.
The organization named Szymanski Volunteer of the Year after seven years of service.
“Initially, I was the campaign cabinet chair for the education campaign for the county,” Syzmanksi said in May. “That was my role — to coordinate with all 42 districts at the time in Burlington County. I did that for several years and was fairly successful.”
Her familiarity with the area and the residents made her the best candidate for campaign chairwoman, allowing her to coordinate all divisons.
“I did that for two years,” she said. “We raised $4.6 million in each of the two years.”
Seneca’s state report cards demonstrated how the school district performs.
The report cards, based on the 2010–2011 school year, reported proficiency in testing, information on the classroom environment, the finances of the district and details on the staff and students.
Dr. Carol L. Birnbohm was named the new superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District, effective July 1. Former superintendent, Emily Capella’s retirement was effective on June 30.
Birnbohm, who previously served as assistant superintendent, is a graduate of Cherokee High School, located in Marlton.
“Carol is an asset in part because she has experience at every level of the district — as a student, teacher, coach, administrator and now superintendent –and she has done very well at every level,” said LRHSD Board President Ted Shinske.
“I have had the opportunity to work for three different superintendents and have gained a variety of leadership skills from each opportunity,” Birnbohm said in May. “Most notably, it has been an honor to work so closely with Emily Capella. She reinforces through all of our initiatives, and on a daily basis, the district’s unwavering commitment to the students. She fosters a sense of collegiality and teamwork among the administration and staff that allows us to all openly problem solve.”
The graduation rate was 96.11 percent at Seneca High School, just under the Lenape Regional High School District average of 96.89 percent — the highest rate in Burlington County, according to Birnbohm. Students who took the SAT performed better than the state average in all three categories.
In math, Seneca students’ average score was 527 compared to the state score of 517. Students scored an average of 506 in the verbal section, while the state average was 493. Seneca students’ scored an average of 508 on the essay portion of the exam with the state scoring 496.
LRHSD’s average overall score was 1566.
