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P.O. Box 909 ● Trenton, NJ 08605-0909 ● Phone: 609.695.7600 ● Fax: 609.695.0413 ● Web: www.njsba.org/PI |
NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Frank Belluscio (fbelluscio@njsba.org) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Annual School Election—Your Vote is Essential It's school budget season in New Jersey, and school boards throughout the state face hard decisions. Theyve been evaluating the entire education program to ensure that students are able to achieve the states academic standards. Theyve been working to ensure their spending plans are fiscally responsible. And soon the public will have its say. This years Annual School Election will be Tuesday, April 17. In more than 90 percent of New Jersey school districts, voters will select candidates to serve on their local boards of education. In addition, they will have an opportunity available in only a handful of other statesto vote yes or no on a proposed school budget. These are crucial decisions, coming in a difficult year. Citizen input is vital. As president of the New Jersey School Boards Association and a member of a local board of education for more than a dozen years, I often am asked about the importance of the Annual School Election. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions: Whats at stake in the Annual School Election? On April 17, registered voters in more than 550 school districts will go to the polls to select members for their local board of education. More than 1,500 positions statewide will be up for grabs. Voters will also be asked if they support a proposed base budget to support school district operations in 2007-2008. If a majority of voters approve, the budget is officially adopted. If voters reject the budget, however, it is sent to the municipal governing body for a review. The municipal officials may leave the budget intact or make cuts. In addition, some school districts may ask voters to act on one or more additional ballot questions, requesting funding for specific programs or staff that are not included in the proposed base budget. These additional ballot questions must tell voters exactly what program or position will be fundedfor example, playground repairs, retention of certain teaching staff, or hiring reading aides in the elementary grades. What is the significance of the proposed school district budget? School districts have educational goals. And the school budget serves as a roadmap to guide the district in providing programs and services that meet those goals. The budget covers everything from textbooks to teacher salaries, maintenance to transportation. On April 17, voters will be asked to approve the amount of local property taxes that will be used to support that spending plan. All voterswhether or not they have children or grandchildren in school, and whether they are homeowners or rentershave a stake in the outcome. Not only does the school budget affect property taxes, but a strong school program also enhances the quality of life in a community. It can make a town more attractive to prospective homebuyers and potential business investors. Most important, a strong school system gives children the opportunities they need to succeed. Do state policies factor into the equation? Yes. Although voters only act on the amount of property taxes to be raised for school purposes, state policies especially, aid to education play a strong role in a local school districts budget. For 2007-2008, school districts received some increase in state aid. Thats the good news. The bad news is that for each of the previous five years, public schools consistently received little or no increase in state aid. Yet, costs out of school boards control kept rising. School districts faced tough choices: scaling back programs for students, relying on increased property taxes to make up the difference or, often, a combination of the two approaches. The flat funding worsened our state governments historically low level of support for education. Nationwide, on average, state governments pay close to 50 percent of the cost of public schools. But the New Jersey state government pays less than 37 percent of public school costs, according to an annual report by the National Education Association. The federal government, meanwhile, contributes only 3.3 percent of the cost of New Jerseys public schools. When voters cast their ballots, they need to understand that the school budget isnt just the result of decisions made by the local school board. It is also shaped by state and federal funding. Voters should also know that, this year, schools are also operating under new budget restrictions, including a new property tax cap. Depending on the districts specific situation, these restrictions could adversely affect school programs. They could also make it necessary for a school district to submit additional ballot questions to the voters to maintain existing levels of programs and services. What is the role of the local school board? The April 17 election also gives citizens the opportunity to select men and women to serve on their local school boards. School boards are unpaid, nonpartisan bodies responsible for ensuring accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in schools. They dont run the school districtthats the job of a superintendent. Rather, the school board works with the superintendent to set district goals. School boards annually evaluate their superintendents, oversee the school district budgets, approve curriculum, and represent the public in contract negotiations with labor unions. School board members are part of a team that fosters community engagement, shapes education policy, and creates the framework for student achievement. Ultimately, the board serves as liaison between the community and the school district. The board communicates the needs of the schools to the publicbut it also represents the communitys wishes in shaping the future of the local school system. How do I learn more about my school board candidates and my districts budget? Registered voters receive a sample ballot listing candidates, the districts base budget proposal and any additional questions on the ballot. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by reading local newspapers that often provide information about proposed school budgets, as well as profiles and the positions of school board candidates. New Jersey law requires school districts to publish a summary of their proposed budgets in local newspapers. The local school board also must hold a public hearing on its spending plan. In many communities, organizations, such as parents groups or the League of Women Voters, sponsor forums that enable residents to hear candidates views. These events are often broadcast, and repeated, over public access cable TV. When and where do I vote? By law, polls must be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 17. Most school districts, however, schedule additional voting hours. For the exact polling hours and locations in your community, contact your local board of education or the office of your county clerk, or refer to the sample ballot that you receive in the mail.
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