Dr. Andrew Rinko Superintendent of Schools (908) 234-0768 Phone Extension - 200 Send an E-mail   {Dr. Andrew Rinko}   Dear Friends,   This fall, as our students return to the classrooms at the Bedminster School, I want to begin by assuring you that our entire staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality education to every child who walks through our doors.  The back-to-school season is a time when children are often thinking about new backpacks, new clothes, meeting new friends and their new teacher.  As educators, our job is to engender learning and achievement for each child, but equally our job is to make sure our public schools are having a positive influence on children as they prepare to take their place in the broader society.   Public schools are doing more than ever before.  The 3 R’s may have been seen as challenges in a bygone era but they are tantamount to folk lore when compared to today’s educational battlefield fueled by the increased educational and political demands of No Child Left Behind, the ever-present imposition of useless and needless state regulations, dramatic cuts in state funding and a popular media that seems intent on crafting public policy while vilifying the efforts of teachers.  Of course, Bedminster is not immune to the social, economic and political influences that have added to this challenge.  In fact, as a result of the outstanding nature of our community and school, we have become somewhat of a “magnet” for families seeking alternatives to programs that have been reduced or cut in surrounding communities.  Over the past two years our enrollment has been influenced by a migration of families from private schools, special education enrollment, and a desire to attend one of the best high schools (Bernardsville) in the state.   In spite of a reduction of over one million dollars from reduced state aid and the defeated budget, we redoubled our efforts to provide the same high quality education our community has come to expect.  But we need more support; both in and out of the schools.  In school, we need you as “partners in education” and out of school we need you to affirm your support of the Bedminster School and the Bernardsville High School by sustaining our next budget at the polls.     Having been a Superintendent for over twenty years, and a school principal for over fourteen years, I understand the importance of a quality education.  I am proud to be a part of this school district and I am excited to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.  Working together we can continue to guide young citizens to develop the important life skills they will need to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively and live harmoniously.  You have my pledge of unwavering advocacy for every child.   Sincerely,   Andrew Rinko Superintendent