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Some Bergen County races still too close to call
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Last updated: Wednesday April 22, 2009, 12:28 AM
BY WILLIAM LAMB
NorthJersey.com
Bergen County voters rejected proposed budgets in at least 16 of 74 school districts today, with several spending plans falling by narrow margins after a day of light traffic at the polls.
With results from several towns still pending, the number of rejected budgets could exceed last year’s total of 16. State and local school officials had predicted that fewer budgets would pass this year, with voters already feeling the pinch of a shrinking economy.
“I think the economy had a lot to do with it and there’s always some people who have some issue and so forth,” said Jerilyn Caprio, schools superintendent in Allendale, where residents voted 525 to 504 to reject the proposed $15.6 million budget. “I’m not sure what it was exactly. When comes down to 26 votes, I don’t think it can be one specific thing.”
Caprio said it was the first time a budget had failed since she joined the district seven years ago.
While a majority of school budgets and accompanying tax hikes were approved, the fates of several were decided by slim margins.
Voters in Bogota, for instance, approved a $19.8 million budget 270 to 233. In Little Ferry, a $19 million tax levy was approved by a vote of 191 to 139.
Light turnout in most districts gave credence to the cliché that every vote counts.
Residents in the Cliffside Park school district rejected a proposed $39.3 million budget by a vote of 671 to 657. In Tenafly, residents voted down a proposed $60.4 million budget 1084 to 967. Maywood residents voted 484 to 428 to reject a proposed $18.2 million budget.
Elsewhere, however, the votes were more decisive.
Residents in Lodi, for instance, voted 811 to 390 to reject a $53.8 million.
Voters in the River Dell Regional School District overwhelmingly passed the $28.2 million spending plan by a tally of 1,690 to 983. In an unusual twist, parents urged the school board to boost its tax levy by 4 percent — the maximum allowed under state law — to avoid as many cuts in programs and staff as possible.
For the second time since Governor Corzine signed a law in 2007, districts seeking to exceed the 4-percent tax hike limit had to present a second ballot question that required approval from more than 60 percent of voters. Only one Bergen County district, Lyndhurst, asked voters if it should spend $500,000 to upgrade bathrooms in its school building.
Voters there rejected the proposed budget 740 to 682, and defeated the ballot question 784 to 611.
Last year, voters statewide approved 74 percent of school budgets in an election that drew just 14 percent of registered voters, said Richard Vespucci, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Education. New Jersey ranked second in the U.S. in school spending in 2006, trailing only New York, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Districts in the state spent an average of $14,630 per pupil, compared to the national average of $9,138.
Staff Writers Ashley Kindergan and Allison Pries contributed to this article, which includes information from Bloomberg.
E-mail: lamb@northjersey.com
Bergen County voters rejected proposed budgets in at least 16 of 74 school districts today, with several spending plans falling by narrow margins after a day of light traffic at the polls.
With results from several towns still pending, the number of rejected budgets could exceed last year’s total of 16. State and local school officials had predicted that fewer budgets would pass this year, with voters already feeling the pinch of a shrinking economy.
“I think the economy had a lot to do with it and there’s always some people who have some issue and so forth,” said Jerilyn Caprio, schools superintendent in Allendale, where residents voted 525 to 504 to reject the proposed $15.6 million budget. “I’m not sure what it was exactly. When comes down to 26 votes, I don’t think it can be one specific thing.”
Caprio said it was the first time a budget had failed since she joined the district seven years ago.
While a majority of school budgets and accompanying tax hikes were approved, the fates of several were decided by slim margins.
Voters in Bogota, for instance, approved a $19.8 million budget 270 to 233. In Little Ferry, a $19 million tax levy was approved by a vote of 191 to 139.
Light turnout in most districts gave credence to the cliché that every vote counts.
Residents in the Cliffside Park school district rejected a proposed $39.3 million budget by a vote of 671 to 657. In Tenafly, residents voted down a proposed $60.4 million budget 1084 to 967. Maywood residents voted 484 to 428 to reject a proposed $18.2 million budget.
Elsewhere, however, the votes were more decisive.
Residents in Lodi, for instance, voted 811 to 390 to reject a $53.8 million.
Voters in the River Dell Regional School District overwhelmingly passed the $28.2 million spending plan by a tally of 1,690 to 983. In an unusual twist, parents urged the school board to boost its tax levy by 4 percent — the maximum allowed under state law — to avoid as many cuts in programs and staff as possible.
For the second time since Governor Corzine signed a law in 2007, districts seeking to exceed the 4-percent tax hike limit had to present a second ballot question that required approval from more than 60 percent of voters. Only one Bergen County district, Lyndhurst, asked voters if it should spend $500,000 to upgrade bathrooms in its school building.
Voters there rejected the proposed budget 740 to 682, and defeated the ballot question 784 to 611.
Last year, voters statewide approved 74 percent of school budgets in an election that drew just 14 percent of registered voters, said Richard Vespucci, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Education. New Jersey ranked second in the U.S. in school spending in 2006, trailing only New York, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Districts in the state spent an average of $14,630 per pupil, compared to the national average of $9,138.
Staff Writers Ashley Kindergan and Allison Pries contributed to this article, which includes information from Bloomberg.
E-mail: lamb@northjersey.com
School elections results from Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Union counties
by The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
Wednesday April 22, 2009, 7:15 AM
NEWS AND RESULTS
-- One third of Morris school budgets defeated
-- Morris County school election results
-- Voters in most Essex towns pass school budgets
-- Essex County school election results
-- Votes go well in Somerset, less so in Hunterdon
-- Hunterdon County school election results
-- Somerset County school election results
-- Middlesex County voters pass majority of school budgets
-- Middlesex County school election results
-- Four Union towns reject school budgets
-- Union County school election results
-- The Record: Some Bergen towns still too close, many fail by slim margins
-- Bergen County school election results
-- Jersey Journal: Hudson residents boot veterans off education boards
-- The Record: Passaic County residents reject majority of budgets
-- Passaic County school election results
-- The Times of Trenton: Majority of Mercer towns approve budget, Megan's Law dad elected
-- Gloucester County school election results
-- Cumberland County school election results
-- Salem County school election results
-- Monmouth County school election results
-- Ocean County election results
April 22, 2009
Voters approve most school budgets
By JIM WALSH
Courier-Post Staff
Many South Jersey school officials savored budget approvals after residents went to the polls Tuesday -- but educators in some districts learned there are many ways to lose.
Residents delivered thumping defeats in some towns -- voting 4-1 against a proposed tax hike of almost $300 in Mount Ephraim and strongly rejecting a $34 million construction plan, the region's largest, in Mount Holly.
But school budgets failed by just six votes in Lawnside and by 62 ballots in Washington Township, according to unofficial results. And Riverside residents spurned a two-part, $5.1 million construction plan by a relative handful of votes.
Spending plans succeeded in Cherry Hill and Voorhees, Medford and Mount Laurel, Deptford and Glassboro, among other districts.
According to a Courier-Post sampling of major school districts, voters approved 33 budgets and rejected 10 in the tri-county area.
The construction plans that were rebuffed in Mount Holly and Riverside were among six projects considered by area voters. Residents also rejected a $7.1 million proposal to expand Woodlynne's elementary school.
Residents easily approved two solar-power projects expected to generate substantial savings in the Clearview and Northern Burlington County regional districts.
The project in Clearview, which serves older students from Mantua and Harrison, is valued at $1.3 million. Northern Burlington's $3.8 million project also calls for new roofs and other improvements.
Voters easily approved a $450,000 plan to upgrade science labs at the Kingsway regional district in Woolwich.
Some residents said tax considerations were a primary factor in district defeats. Mount Holly's plan to upgrade three schools, for instance, would have boosted property taxes by almost $300 for an average home.
"There's just too many projects that don't all need to be done at once," said Sharon Flanigan, a township resident and teacher who opposed the plan.
"It's their wish list," said voter Vince Caruso of Mount Holly. "We knock it down, and then they come back with the things they really need."
In Mount Ephraim, newly elected school board member Nicholas Salamone Jr. noted more than 500 people voted, compared to a typical turnout of about 300 residents.
"It's a big statement to our commissioners, who will review this budget," said Salamone. "We receive an excellent education in Mount Ephraim, but there's only so much people can afford."
Staff writer Rachel Misenko contributed to this report. Reach Jim Walsh at (856) 486-2646 or jwalsh@courierpostonline.com
April 22, 2009
Voters approve most school budgets
By JIM WALSH
Courier-Post Staff
Many South Jersey school officials savored budget approvals after residents went to the polls Tuesday -- but educators in some districts learned there are many ways to lose.
Residents delivered thumping defeats in some towns -- voting 4-1 against a proposed tax hike of almost $300 in Mount Ephraim and strongly rejecting a $34 million construction plan, the region's largest, in Mount Holly.
But school budgets failed by just six votes in Lawnside and by 62 ballots in Washington Township, according to unofficial results. And Riverside residents spurned a two-part, $5.1 million construction plan by a relative handful of votes.
Spending plans succeeded in Cherry Hill and Voorhees, Medford and Mount Laurel, Deptford and Glassboro, among other districts.
According to a Courier-Post sampling of major school districts, voters approved 33 budgets and rejected 10 in the tri-county area.
The construction plans that were rebuffed in Mount Holly and Riverside were among six projects considered by area voters. Residents also rejected a $7.1 million proposal to expand Woodlynne's elementary school.
Residents easily approved two solar-power projects expected to generate substantial savings in the Clearview and Northern Burlington County regional districts.
The project in Clearview, which serves older students from Mantua and Harrison, is valued at $1.3 million. Northern Burlington's $3.8 million project also calls for new roofs and other improvements.
Voters easily approved a $450,000 plan to upgrade science labs at the Kingsway regional district in Woolwich.
Some residents said tax considerations were a primary factor in district defeats. Mount Holly's plan to upgrade three schools, for instance, would have boosted property taxes by almost $300 for an average home.
"There's just too many projects that don't all need to be done at once," said Sharon Flanigan, a township resident and teacher who opposed the plan.
"It's their wish list," said voter Vince Caruso of Mount Holly. "We knock it down, and then they come back with the things they really need."
In Mount Ephraim, newly elected school board member Nicholas Salamone Jr. noted more than 500 people voted, compared to a typical turnout of about 300 residents.
"It's a big statement to our commissioners, who will review this budget," said Salamone. "We receive an excellent education in Mount Ephraim, but there's only so much people can afford."
Staff writer Rachel Misenko contributed to this report. Reach Jim Walsh at (856) 486-2646 or jwalsh@courierpostonline.com
Voters give blessing to most budgets in Camco
·
· Camden County voters approved the majority of school budgets, but rejected a handful of spending plans during Tuesday's election.
Among the rejected spending plans for public schools were Mount Ephraim, Woodlynne, Winslow and Black Horse Pike Regional. Budgets in Lawnside and Gloucester Township were narrowly defeated.
In Mount Ephraim, where voters flocked to the polls, a budget carrying an average tax hike of $330 was overwhelmingly defeated.
"It's unbelievable, it's almost like the presidential election
Starting at 2 p.m., a steady stream of voters trickled into the Raymond Kershaw School to cast their ballot.
Ed Chambers voted against the spending plan because of the hefty tax hike.
"As voters, it's our jobs to keep (the school board) in check," said the 28-year borough resident. "Under our family situation, I had to vote no."
Angelo Cerminara voted in favor of the plan.
"I think it's worth it to have our children educated properly," Cerminara said. "It will help them along."
In Haddonfield, where residents saw some hefty tax hikes in previous years, many voters were happy to see an average increase of only $101.10. Voters there approved the spending plan.
"I'm hopeful it passes," said Bettiann Young, after casting her ballot at the J.F. Tatem School. "I think they really got the word out. Talked it up to parents. It's very low for the district."
"You have to educate the children," added Bernard Garfield, who has lived in the district for 50 years.
"Children have to have their education more than ever," said his wife, Beatrice Garfield.
In Haddon Township, where voters approved a budget that cut middle school athletics to keep tax increases to less than $100, the turnout was higher than usual.
Dan Zeccola, a 10-year resident with two daughters who attend elementary school
I have some reservations," Zeccola said. "When you have kids, you have to be supportive. You don't want to see things get cut. It's an important part of the education system. You don't want to lose anything."
"I think the budget is reasonable, but it can probably be pared down a bit," said Arthur Kraemer, a 53-year township resident who would not say if he voted in favor or against the spending plan.
Election results are preliminary.
Reach Lavinia DeCastro at (856) 486-2652 or ldecastro@courierpostonline.com
Camden County
Audubon
Budget, $20,679,338, 0.18 percent increase. Approved.
Barrington
Budget, $13,939,565, 3.56 percent increase. Approved.
Berlin Borough
Budget, $9,882,572, 2.31 percent increase. Approved.
Berlin Twp.
Budget, $7,603,528, no change. Approved.
Camden
Budget, $360,818,865, no change. n/a.
Cherry Hill
Budget, $171,795,491, 0.49 percent increase. Approved.
Clementon
Budget, $10,831,456, 3.28 percent increase. Approved.
Collingswood
Budget, $29,939,402, 3.46 percent increase. n/a.
Eastern
Budget, $33,348,932, 2.38 percent increase. Approved.
Gloucester Twp.
Budget, $102,509,290, 1.06 percent decrease. Rejected.
Haddonfield
Budget, $31,879,868, 1.87 percent increase. Approved.
Haddon Heights
Budget, $19,936,023, 1.17 percent increase. Approved.
Haddon Twp.
Budget, $29,869,884, 2.63 percent increase. Approved.
Laurel Springs
Budget, $4,536,720, 3.25 percent increase. Approved.
Lawnside
Budget, $8,715,849, 1.86 percent increase. Rejected.
Lindenwold
Budget, $35,215,450, 1.78 percent increase. n/a.
Magnolia
Budget, $6,336,468, 1.63 percent increase. Approved.
Merchantville
Budget, $6,088,241, 0.7 percent decrease. Approved.
Mount Ephraim
Budget, $10,154,010, 2.72 percent increase. Rejected.
Oaklyn
Budget, $8,077,163, 7.1 percent increase. n/a.
Pennsauken
Budget, $91,174,086, 1.52 percent increase. Approved.
Pine Hill
Budget, $34,996,136, 2.99 percent increase. Approved.
Sterling Regional
Budget, $16,462,525, a 0.1 percent decrease. Approved.
Black Horse Pike Regional
Budget, $68,805,219, a 0.05 percent decrease. Rejected.
Voorhees
Budget, $47,215,909, 0.29 percent decrease. Approved.
Winslow
Budget, $93,090,445, 4.04 percent increase. Rejected.
Burlington County
Evesham
Budget, $72,932,785, 4.92 percent increase. Rejected.
Lenape Regional
Budget, 141,091,346, 2.3 percent increase. Approved.
Maple Shade
Budget, $30,037,402, 4.28 percent increase. Approved.
Medford
Budget, $48,563,942, 0.6 percent decrease. Approved.
Medford Lakes
Budget, $6,617,607, 3.32 percent increase. Approved.
Moorestown
Budget, $68,816,223, 0.22 percent decrease. Rejected.
Mount Holly
Rejected.
Mount Laurel
Budget, $64,875,648, 0.18 percent increase. Approved.
Northern Burlington
Approved.
Rancocas Valley Regional
Budget, $38,297,293, 2.63 percent increase. Approved.
Riverside
Approved.
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HERALD NEWS/Passaic County Results
Featured Content
School elections map
Find out who's running in your district before you head to the polls, then get the results on NorthJersey.com first by checking back later tonight.
Most Passaic County school budgets rejected
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Last updated: Wednesday April 22, 2009, 12:29 AM
BY BARBARA WILLIAMS
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER
Reflecting the hard economic times, voters in most of Passaic County’s communities rejected school district tax proposals, in voting down spending plans in 12 out of 17 districts.
The most prominent were Wayne, where 2009-10 taxation was rejected by some 1,100 votes and Clifton, where voters said “no” by a nearly 1,000-ballot plurality.
The trend, however, was not reflected in eastern Morris, where only one district, Butler, saw its tax proposal rejected while Riverdale, Lincoln Park, Kinnelon, and Pequannock voters backed their spending plan.
Voters in Prospect Park, Ringwood, and Butler also defeated two special ballot questions that asked for additional money. Prospect Park sought voter approval for a four-class addition to accommodate a Pre-K program; Ringwood sought more funds to maintain several teachers and consequently keep class sizes down. Butler proposed upgrades of a school’s athletic fields.
Wayne voters rejected the tax levy in all 14 polling places with turnout more than 50 percent higher than last year. The tax levy was defeated by more than 1,100 votes with 3,756 voting against and 2,623 supporting it.
However, voters returned board President Jane Hutchison for another term, along with newcomers James Jimenez and Franco Mazzei in a field of six candidates.
Clifton also rejected its school budget’s tax levy, 3,574 to 2,576. And voters there also ushered in three candidates who promised to bring change to the city schools, including incumbent Michael Paitchell and newcomers Joseph R. Yeamans and James Daley. Their election ousted two incumbents, including the current school board president, Michael C. Urciuoli, and Lizz M. Gagnon.
The district has been wracked by years of controversy concerning the school board’s pushing ahead with siting a high school annex on Brighton Road in an industrial zone. Paitchell was a frequent critic of many of his board colleagues, citing cost and transparency of the construction process, among other issues.
Communities that supported their districts’ spending plan included Little Falls, Passaic, Haledon, and Kinnelon.
williamsb@northjersey.com
Reflecting the hard economic times, voters in most of Passaic County’s communities rejected school district tax proposals, in voting down spending plans in 12 out of 17 districts.
The most prominent were Wayne, where 2009-10 taxation was rejected by some 1,100 votes and Clifton, where voters said “no” by a nearly 1,000-ballot plurality.
The trend, however, was not reflected in eastern Morris, where only one district, Butler, saw its tax proposal rejected while Riverdale, Lincoln Park, Kinnelon, and Pequannock voters backed their spending plan.
Voters in Prospect Park, Ringwood, and Butler also defeated two special ballot questions that asked for additional money. Prospect Park sought voter approval for a four-class addition to accommodate a Pre-K program; Ringwood sought more funds to maintain several teachers and consequently keep class sizes down. Butler proposed upgrades of a school’s athletic fields.
Wayne voters rejected the tax levy in all 14 polling places with turnout more than 50 percent higher than last year. The tax levy was defeated by more than 1,100 votes with 3,756 voting against and 2,623 supporting it.
However, voters returned board President Jane Hutchison for another term, along with newcomers James Jimenez and Franco Mazzei in a field of six candidates.
Clifton also rejected its school budget’s tax levy, 3,574 to 2,576. And voters there also ushered in three candidates who promised to bring change to the city schools, including incumbent Michael Paitchell and newcomers Joseph R. Yeamans and James Daley. Their election ousted two incumbents, including the current school board president, Michael C. Urciuoli, and Lizz M. Gagnon.
The district has been wracked by years of controversy concerning the school board’s pushing ahead with siting a high school annex on Brighton Road in an industrial zone. Paitchell was a frequent critic of many of his board colleagues, citing cost and transparency of the construction process, among other issues.
Communities that supported their districts’ spending plan included Little Falls, Passaic, Haledon, and Kinnelon.
williamsb@northjersey.com
