To the Editor:

The most important vote in the upcoming election for Princeton residents is at the bottom of the ballot. That is, choosing school board members. Why? Property taxes in Princeton are among the highest in the nation as well as the state and continue to rise, making Princeton unaffordable for many. The 2 percent “cap” on governmental budgets? Doesn’t exist, because of legally allowed “exceptions.” Check your most recent property tax bill. Mine went up 10 percent. Almost half of current Princeton property taxes go to the public schools (48 percent). The portion of my total tax bill for the schools increased by 11 percent. Yet, incredibly, none of the current school board candidates is addressing the issue of high and increasing school costs. (Candidate platforms at www.lwvprinceton.org). Distressingly, their statements are limited to platitudes about the needs of students, parents, and “community,” but nothing about the squeeze on Joe Taxpayer’s finances or any ideas about how to contain costs. One candidate even claims that our local schools are “under funded.”

We pride ourselves on the quality of Princeton’s schools (although it can be debated whether or not all students are getting an equally fair shake). The truth is that Princeton’s cost per student is very high and considerably more than neighboring school districts that provide their students with high quality education at less cost.

Where is “The Rent Is Too Damn High Party” when we need it? Its mantra is that government is too expensive, poorly managed, and replete with spineless politicians.

Meanwhile, the local teachers’ union is pressuring the school board to grant outsized increases in salary and already generous benefits. The union wants a raise of almost 5 percent and the school board has offered a 2 percent increase. The school board has hung tough on behalf of the taxpayer and economic reality. The teachers claim they are being “disrespected.”

The facts are that the average Princeton teacher’s salary is $78,351, amongst the highest nationally. 30 percent of Princeton teachers make more than $90,000. The average in New Jersey is $63,111. How many teachers are Princeton taxpayers?

As justification for its salary demands, the union cites the fact that school administrators received a more generous raise. As a former teacher, I can sympathize with this point of view. But, the solution is to lower bloated administrative salaries, thus encouraging good teachers — turned administrators, to return to the classroom.

Federal workers will receive a one percent salary increase — the first since 2010 and contribute more to their retirement. President Obama says the feds must do their “fair share” in our diminished economy. Let’s hope the teachers accept the same reality.

Dudley Sipprelle

Nassau Street