The Reality Behind the Revisions at HUES
The current East Brunswick Board of Education budget proposal for 2025-2026 includes significant changes that have caused confusion and concern among residents. One of the most critical issues revolves around the restructuring of the schedule at Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School (HUES), which has been vaguely summarized in public documents. However, when you examine the details discussed at prior Board of Education meetings and PTA presentations, the impact becomes clear—and deeply concerning.
The schedule revision at HUES isn’t a minor adjustment. It eliminates all 5th and 6th grade electives, including band, orchestra, chorus, and world language instruction. Instead of structured music programs, students would only receive pull-out group lessons once a week, resulting in a 60% reduction in instruction. Chorus would no longer be part of the regular school day, shifting to an optional before-school club, which raises questions about accessibility and participation.
Similarly, world language education would no longer begin in the 5th grade. Instead, students would receive a once-a-week semester-long hybrid exposure to Spanish and French, with no opportunity to start Level 1 instruction until 7th grade. This change not only reduces the district’s commitment to global education but also contradicts what educators have long known: early exposure to language is key to proficiency.
Music and Language Cuts Undermine Long-Term Student Development
East Brunswick has long been known for its outstanding music programs. These are not just extracurricular options—they are programs that have garnered awards, strengthened college applications, and served as creative outlets and community builders. Gutting them will have consequences that extend far beyond the classroom.
The changes at HUES signal a philosophical shift from a robust, well-rounded education to a narrowed focus that strips away opportunities for artistic and cultural development. Several students have already stepped forward at board meetings to explain the importance of early exposure to music and languages, linking their experiences directly to academic achievement, self-confidence, and mental health. Their testimonies show a mature understanding of what’s being lost.
Confusion and Lack of Transparency on HUES Cuts
Much of the public frustration surrounding the budget proposal stems from the lack of clear information provided. Terms like “schedule revision” and “adjustments to programming” have been used to downplay what is, in reality, a sweeping elimination of beloved programs. The administration has framed these changes as restructuring rather than outright cuts, leaving parents, teachers, and students scrambling to understand what’s really at stake.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the proposed changes at Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School (HUES). The phrase “The schedule at HUES will be revised” has been used as a catch-all description for eliminating all 5th and 6th grade electives—including band, orchestra, chorus, and world languages—as well as 10 teaching positions. These aren’t minor adjustments but fundamental changes to the student experience.
While the administration briefly mentioned music programs in their budget presentation, they failed to provide key details that parents and educators have been demanding. They have not disclosed how many students will be affected by the cuts to instrumental music, nor have they addressed concerns about larger class sizes, the elimination of ensemble classes, or the feasibility of shifting band and orchestra to before-school hours.
These concerns have been repeatedly raised and ignored at multiple Board of Education meetings. It wasn’t until persistent questioning that Dr. Valeski provided some student impact numbers, but most concerns remained unaddressed. The community has made it clear that this is not an enhancement—it’s a drastic reduction. And until leadership is fully transparent about these changes, the uncertainty and frustration will only grow.
Budget Cuts Without Clear Cost Savings
What’s also concerning is that district leadership has not clearly outlined the financial savings expected from these program eliminations. At previous meetings, residents asked for cost-saving estimates tied directly to these cuts and received no answers. There are questions about logistics, feasibility, and the broader financial picture that still remain unresolved.
While it’s true the district is facing a $1.1 million reduction in state funding, the cuts seem disproportionately targeted at programs that make East Brunswick stand out—language, arts, and creative education. Meanwhile, some larger expenditures remain untouched, raising questions about prioritization and values.
Where We Go From Here
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for April 24; by then, the budget must be finalized. No changes can be made after that date. Residents must understand what’s being decided and how it will shape the future of education in East Brunswick.
This is not just about dollars. It’s about whether we believe in offering every child a comprehensive, enriching education, starting in the earliest grades. Eliminating programs that ignite passion, creativity, and intellectual growth isn’t a solution—it’s a loss. And it’s one we can’t afford.
Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep asking questions. And let’s make sure our students’ voices—many of whom have already spoken so bravely—are not lost in the shuffle.
